Magnetic field-compatible components of a medical diagnostic and/or therapeutic system

ABSTRACT

A medical device assembly comprises a medical device comprising a shaft having proximal and distal end portions. The device further comprises a sensor at the distal end portion of the shaft that comprises first and second leads extending therefrom to the proximal end portion of the shaft. The device further comprises an electromechanical connector having a plurality of pins at a first end thereof. First and second of the pins are electrically connected to the first and second sensor leads, respectively, thereby forming a first partial magnetic loop between the first and second pins. The connector further comprises first and second jumpers electrically connecting the first pin and third pins, and second and fourth pins, respectively, thereby forming a second partial magnetic loop. The partial magnetic loops are configured to combine with partial magnetic loops of another connector to form a pair of magnetic noise cancellation loops.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

a. Field of the Invention

This disclosure relates to a system for performing one or more diagnostic and/or therapeutic medical procedures, the system comprising, in part, a magnetic field-based medical positioning system. More particularly, this disclosure relates to various components of the system for performing one or more diagnostic and/or therapeutic medical procedures, wherein the components are configured for use in a magnetic field environment created by the magnetic field-based medical positioning system.

b. Background Art

A number of different types of medical positioning systems may be used to aid in the performance of various medical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures relating to different parts of the human anatomy, such as, for example, the heart. Among other things, and generally speaking, these systems may provide the ability to determine the position and orientation (P&O) of one or more medical devices disposed within the body of the patient, such as, for example, catheters and sheaths, for visualization and navigation purposes.

One such type of medical positioning system is a magnetic field-based medical positioning system. Magnetic field-based systems generally include one or more magnetic field generators attached to or placed near the patient bed or another component in the operating environment. The field generators are configured to provide controlled, low-strength AC magnetic fields in an area of interest (i.e., an anatomical region) that are used to determine and track the P&O of one or more magnetic sensors disposed in or on a medical device disposed within the area of interest. More particularly, each magnetic sensor, which may comprise a magnetic coil, is configured to detect and generate a respective signal indicative of one or more characteristics of the magnetic field(s). The medical positioning system then processes the generated signals to produce one or more P&O readings associated with the sensors (and thus the medical device). The P&O of the medical device can thereafter be tracked relative to the magnetic field(s).

As briefly described above, medical devices that may be used with such medical positioning systems include elongate medical devices such as catheters and sheaths. These medical devices generally comprise an elongate shaft having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and one or more sensors mounted in or on the shaft at or near the distal end portion thereof. As also briefly described above, the sensors of the medical device may comprise magnetic sensors in the form of coils that are configured to allow the system to determine the P&O of the sensor, and therefore by extension, the medical device. More particularly, each sensor may comprise a loop of wire wound a predetermined number of times around a small diameter core to form a coil having a size that is suitable for packaging within the shaft of the medical device, and for generating a current when placed in a magnetic field that is used by the system to determine the P&O of the sensor.

One drawback to the use of these types of medical devices in conjunction with a magnetic field-based medical positioning system is that any loops of wire that are considered separate or apart from the sensor can act as a magnetic pickup when subjected to magnetic fields. This may result in noise or interference being added to the signal generated by the sensor, thereby potentially adversely impacting the accuracy of the P&O determination based thereon (i.e., causing an error in the P&O of the sensor determined based on the signal generated by the sensor). For example, a wire that is wrapped numerous times around a core to form a coil may have two ends or leads extending from the coil. These leads are routed from the coil down the shaft of the medical device where they are terminated in an electrical connector that allows for the sensor to be electrically coupled to other components of, for example, the medical positioning system or components that are intermediate thereto (e.g., amplifiers, processors, etc.). However, when arranged within the shaft of the medical device, these two leads may serve to form a loop of wire that may generate a current when subjected or exposed to a magnetic field. As described above, this may result in the addition of noise or interference to the current signal being transmitted from the sensor.

One conventional technique used to address the above-described problem is to arrange the two leads in a twisted pair pattern along the lengths of the leads from the sensor to the termination point. Such an arrangement is known to prevent, or at least substantially minimize, magnetic pickup in the wires. Accordingly, by preventing magnetic pickup along the length of the shaft of the medical device, interference or noise that may adversely impact the signals generated and transmitted by the sensor is prevented or at least substantially minimized. However, while this technique has been useful in limiting interference generated along the length of the shaft of the medical device, it does not completely solve the problem with respect to other areas or locations of the medical device or within the system of which it is a part.

More particularly, as described above, the two leads of the sensor are terminated at an electrical connector that may be disposed at or near the proximal end portion of the shaft (e.g., within or near the handle of the device located proximate the proximal end portion of the shaft). To do so, the two leads are typically untwisted in order to be coupled (e.g., soldered, crimped, etc.) to respective pins of the electrical connector. However, the length of the pins, the relatively large distance therebetween, and the length of the untwisted portion of the leads proximate the connector combine to form a loop comprised of the pins of the connector and the untwisted portions of the leads. Because the handle portion of the medical device, and therefore, the electrical connector to which the leads are coupled, is disposed in close proximity to the patient during a procedure, the electrical connector may be subjected or exposed to the magnetic field(s) applied by the medical positioning system. As a result, the loop formed by the untwisted portion of the leads and the pins of the electrical connector can act as a magnetic pickup, and therefore, a current may be induced in the loop by the magnetic field(s). As described above, such a generated current may result in noise or interference to the signal generated and transmitted by the sensor, which may introduce not in significant error in the sensor location determined therefrom.

The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate the present field and should not be taken as a disavowal of claim scope.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various embodiments, the present invention is generally directed to a medical device assembly configured for use in a magnetic field environment.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention and the present teachings, a medical device assembly for use in a magnetic field environment is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the medical device assembly comprises a medical device. The medical device, in turn, comprises an elongate shaft having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The medical device further comprises a positioning sensor disposed at the distal end portion of the shaft and comprising first and second leads arranged in a twisted pair pattern and extending from a sensing element of the sensor to the proximal end of the shaft. The medical device still further comprises an electromechanical connector having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of pins disposed at the first end thereof, wherein first and second pins of the plurality of pins are electrically connected to the first and second leads of the sensor, respectively, thereby forming a first partial magnetic loop between the first and second pins.

In an exemplary embodiment, the connector of the medical device further comprises a first electrical jumper electrically connecting the first pin with a third pin of the plurality of pins, and a second electrical jumper electrically connecting the second pin with a fourth pin of the plurality of pins, thereby forming a second partial magnetic loop between the third and fourth pins. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second partial magnetic loops are substantially parallel to each other. The first and second partial magnetic loops are configured to combine with respective first and second partial magnetic loops of a complementary electromechanical connector configured to be mated with the second end of the electromechanical connector of the medical device to form first and second magnetic noise cancellation loops that are substantially equal in area and opposite in orientation.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention and the present teachings, an electrical cable configured for use in a magnetic field environment is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable comprises a sheath having a first end and a second end. The cable further comprises first and second electrical conductors disposed within the sheath and arranged in a twisted pair pattern, wherein the first and second electrical conductors extend between the first and second ends of the sheath. The cable still further comprises first and second electromechanical connectors disposed at the first and second ends of said sheath, respectively, wherein each of the first and second connectors comprises a first end, a second end, and a plurality of pins disposed at the first end thereof. The first and second electrical conductors of the cable are electrically connected to first and second pins of the plurality of pins, respectively, thereby forming a first partial magnetic loop between the first and second pins. Each of the first and second connectors further comprises a first electrical jumper electrically connecting the first pin with a third pin of the plurality of pins, and a second electrical jumper electrically connecting the second pin with a fourth pin of the plurality of pins, thereby forming a second partial magnetic loop between the third and fourth pins. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second partial loops are substantially parallel to each other.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention and the present teachings, a junction box configured for use with a medical device in a magnetic field environment is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the junction box comprises a housing having a top side, a bottom side, and a plurality of side walls extending between the top and bottom sides. The junction box further comprises an electromechanical connector disposed in one of the plurality of side walls, wherein the electromechanical connector comprises a first end, a second end, and a plurality of pins disposed at the first end thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, first and second pins of the plurality of pins are electrically connected to first ends of respective first and second electrical conductors disposed within the housing thereby forming a first partial magnetic loop between the first and second pins. The connector further comprises a first electrical jumper electrically connecting the first pin with a third pin of the plurality of pins, and a second electrical jumper electrically connecting the second pin with a fourth pin of the plurality of pins, thereby forming a second partial magnetic loop that, in an exemplary embodiment, is parallel to the first partial magnetic loop. The first and second partial magnetic loops are configured to combine with respective first and second partial magnetic loops of a complementary electromechanical connector when the second end of the electromechanical connector of the junction box is mated with the complementary connector to form first and second magnetic noise cancellation loops that are substantially equal in area and opposite in orientation.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention and the present teachings, an electromechanical connection assembly for use in a magnetic field environment is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the electromechanical connector assembly comprises first and second electromechanical connectors each having a first end and second end, wherein the second ends of the connectors are configured to be mated with each other. Each of the first and second electromechanical connectors further comprise a plurality of pins disposed at the first end thereof, wherein first and second pins of the plurality of pins are electrically connected to first and second electrical conductors, respectively, thereby forming first partial magnetic loops between the first and second pins. Each of the connectors further comprises a first electrical jumper electrically connecting the first pin thereof with a third pin of the plurality of pins, and a second electrical jumper electrically connecting the second pin thereof with a fourth pin of the plurality of pins, thereby forming second partial magnetic loops between the third and fourth pins. In such an embodiment, the first and second partial magnetic loops of the first connector are configured to combine with the respective first and second partial magnetic loops of the second connector when the second ends of the first and second connectors are mated with each other to form first and second magnetic noise cancellation loops that are substantially equal in area and opposite in orientation.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from reading the following description and claims, and from reviewing the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary system for performing one or more diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, wherein the system comprises a magnetic field-based medical positioning system, in accordance with the present teachings.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of an elongate medical device, such as, for example, a catheter, configured for use in the system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3a and 3b are isometric views of alternate exemplary embodiments of an electromechanical connector of the medical device illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary magnetic field-based medical positioning system configured for use in the system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of a conventional connection arrangement between two electromechanical connectors illustrating a magnetic pickup loop created between the two connectors when the connectors are mated together.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a connection arrangement between two electromechanical connectors comprising a pair of magnetic noise cancellation loops that are equal in area and opposite in orientation, in accordance with the present teachings.

FIG. 7 is a plan and diagrammatic view of an end of an electromechanical connector, such as, for example, that depicted in FIG. 3a , configured to accommodate a plurality of sensor lead pairs and a plurality of corresponding pairs of partial loops between respective pairs of pins of the connector, in accordance with the present teachings.

FIGS. 8a-8d are isometric views of a portion of an electromechanical connector, such as, for example, that depicted in FIG. 3a , illustrating alternate exemplary ways of creating partial loops between a pair of pins of the connector.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an exemplary electrical cable configured to electrically connect components of, for example, the system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 10a and 10b are isometric views of alternate exemplary embodiments of electromechanical connectors of the electrical cable illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a portion of an electromechanical connector of the cable illustrated in FIG. 9, such as, for example, that depicted in FIG. 10a , illustrating a pair of partial magnetic loops, each formed between a pair of pins of the connector.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary junction box configured for use in the system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of the junction box illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a circuit board configured to be disposed within the junction box illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a portion of another exemplary embodiment of the junction box illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of a circuit board configured to be disposed within the junction box illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of an exemplary circuit board disposed within the junction box illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a portion of the circuit board illustrated in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is an isometric and diagrammatic view of an exemplary embodiment of a twisted differential line that may be implemented on the circuit board disposed within the junction box illustrated in FIG. 13 and formed of the signal and return traces thereof.

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a circuit board configured to be disposed within the junction box illustrated in FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments are described herein of various apparatus and/or systems. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and/or use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments, the scope of which is defined solely by the appended claims.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” “in an exemplary embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional.

It will be appreciated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” may be used throughout the specification with reference to a clinician manipulating one end of an instrument used to treat a patient. The term “proximal” refers to the portion of the instrument closest to the clinician and the term “distal” refers to the portion located furthest from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that for conciseness and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “up,” and “down” may be used herein with respect to the illustrated embodiments. However, surgical instruments may be used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and absolute.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals are used to identify identical or similar components in the various views, FIG. 1 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a system 10 for performing one or more diagnostic and/or therapeutic medical procedures relating to different parts of the human anatomy, such as, for example, the heart. For purposes of clarity and illustration, the description set forth below will be with respect to a system used for cardiac-related applications only. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure may be implemented and find use in connection with any number of other anatomical-related applications. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to cardiac-related applications.

In an exemplary embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 1, the system 10 comprises a medical device 12 and a medical positioning system 14. The medical device 12 may comprise an elongate medical device such as, for example, catheter or a sheath. For purposes of illustration and clarity, the description below will be limited to an embodiment wherein the medical device 12 comprises a catheter (catheter 12). It will be appreciated, however, that the present disclosure is not meant to be limited to such an embodiment, but rather in other exemplary embodiments, the medical device may comprise other elongate medical devices, such as, for example and without limitation, sheaths, introducers and the like.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the catheter 12 is configured to be inserted into a patient's body 16, and more particularly, into the patient's heart 18. The catheter 12 may include a handle 20, a shaft 22 having a proximal end portion 24 and a distal end portion 26, and one or more sensors 28 mounted in or on the shaft 22 of the catheter 12. As used herein, “sensor 28” or “sensors 28” may refer to one or more sensors 28 ₁, 28 ₂, . . . 28 _(N), as appropriate and as generally illustrated. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensors 28 are disposed at the distal end portion 26 of the shaft 22. The catheter 12 may further include other conventional components such as, for example and without limitation, a temperature sensor, additional sensors or electrodes, ablation elements (e.g., ablation tip electrodes for delivering RF ablative energy, high intensity focused ultrasound ablation elements, etc.), and corresponding conductors or leads. In an exemplary embodiment, the catheter 12 further comprises an electromechanical connector 30 configured to allow the catheter 12, and the sensors 28 thereof, in particular, to be coupled with other components of the system 10, such as, for example, the medical positioning system 14.

The handle 20, which is disposed at the proximal end portion 24 of the shaft 22, provides a location for the clinician to hold the catheter 12 and may further provide means for steering or guiding the shaft 22 within the body 16 of a patient. For example, the handle 20 may include means to manipulate one or more steering wires extending through the catheter 12 to the distal end portion 26 of the shaft 22 to steer the shaft 22. The handle 20 is conventional in the art and it will be understood that the construction of the handle 20 may vary. In another exemplary embodiment, the catheter 12 may be robotically driven or controlled. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, rather than a clinician manipulating a handle to steer or guide the catheter 12, and the shaft 22 thereof, in particular, a robot is used to manipulate the catheter 12.

The shaft 22 is an elongate, tubular, flexible member configured for movement within the body 16. The shaft 22 supports, for example and without limitation, sensors and/or electrodes mounted thereon, such as, for example, the sensors 28, associated conductors, and possibly additional electronics used for signal processing and conditioning. The shaft 22 may also permit transport, delivery, and/or removal of fluids (including irrigation fluids, cryogenic ablation fluids, and bodily fluids), medicines, and/or surgical tools or instruments. The shaft 22 may be made from conventional materials such as polyurethane, and defines one or more lumens configured to house and/or transport electrical conductors, fluids, or surgical tools. The shaft 22 may be introduced into a blood vessel or other structure within the body 16 through a conventional introducer. The shaft 22 may then be steered or guided through the body 16 to a desired location, such as the heart 18, using means well known in the art.

The sensors 28 mounted in or on the shaft 22 of the catheter 12 may be provided for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic purposes including, for example and without limitation, electrophysiological studies, pacing, cardiac mapping, and ablation. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the sensors 28 are provided to perform a location or position sensing function. More particularly, and as will be described in greater detail below, one or more of the sensors 28 are configured to be a positioning sensor that provides information relating to the location (position and orientation, or “P&O”) of the catheter 12, and the distal end portion 26 of the shaft 22 thereof, in particular, at certain points in time. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, as the catheter 12 is moved along a surface of a structure of interest of the heart 18 and/or about the interior of the structure, the sensor(s) 28 can be used to collect location data points that correspond to the surface of, and/or other locations within, the structure of interest. These location data points can then be used for a number of purposes such as, for example and without limitation, the construction of surface models of the structure of interest. For purposes of clarity and illustration, the description below will be with respect to an embodiment wherein a single sensor 28 of the catheter 12 comprises a positioning sensor. It will be appreciated, however, that in other exemplary embodiments, which remain within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, the catheter 12 may comprise more than one positioning sensor as well as other sensors or electrodes configured to perform other diagnostic and/or therapeutic functions. As will be described in greater detail below, the sensor 28 comprises a pair of leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂ extending from a sensing element thereof (e.g., a coil) that are configured to electrically couple the sensor 28 to other components of the system 10, such as, for example, the medical positioning system 14.

As will be described in greater detail below, the electromechanical connector 30 provides electrical and mechanical connection(s) for, among other things, the leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂ of the sensor 28 of the catheter 12, as well as wires or cables, such as, for example, a cable 34 extending between the catheter 12 and other components of the system 10 (e.g., the medical positioning system 14, an ablation generator, an electrophysiology recording system, a junction box, a stimulation system, a tissue contact sensing system, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the connector 30 is disposed within the handle 20 of the catheter 12. In another exemplary embodiment, rather than being disposed within or as part of the handle 20, the connector 30 is disposed apart from the handle 20. For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the connector 30 may be disposed at the end of a pigtail 36 extending from the handle 20 of the medical device 12.

Regardless of where the connector 30 is located, in an exemplary embodiment such as that illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b , a first end 38 of the connector 30 has a plurality of pins 40, and each lead of the pair of leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂ of the sensor 28 is electrically and mechanically connected or coupled to a respective one of the pins 40. As used herein, “pin 40” or “pins 40” may refer to one or more pins 40 ₁, 40 ₂, . . . 40 _(N), as appropriate and as generally illustrated. A second end 42 of the connector 30 opposite the first end 38 is configured to provide an interface between the catheter 12, and the sensor 28 thereof, in particular, and other components of the system 10, such as, for example, the medical positioning system 14 or a junction box. For example, in an exemplary embodiment such as that illustrated in FIG. 3a , the second end 42 of the connector 30 may take the form of a male plug connector having a plurality of pins 44 that are electrically coupled to, or that comprise, the pins 40 disposed at the first end 38 of the connector 30 (e.g., the pins 40 may extend through the first and second ends 38, 42 of the connector 30). In such an embodiment, the second end 42 of the connector 30 is configured to be mated with a complementary female receptacle connector having a plurality of socket contacts configured to receive the pins 44 of the connector 30. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 3b , the second end 42 of the connector 30 may take the form of a female receptacle connector having a plurality of sockets 46 configured to receive a corresponding number of pins from a complementary male plug connector of a cable.

Accordingly, regardless of the particular form the connector 30 takes, it is configured to allow for the electrical connection of the catheter 12, and the sensor 28 thereof, to one or more components of the system 10, such as, for example, the medical positioning system 14.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, the medical positioning system 14 will now be described. The medical positioning system 14 is provided for determining the P&O of the sensor 28 of the catheter 12, and thus, the P&O of the catheter 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the medical positioning system 14 may comprise a magnetic field-based system such as, for example, the Carto™ System available from Biosense Webster, and as generally shown with reference to one or more of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,498,944; 6,788,967; and 6,690,963, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, or the MediGuide™ system from MediGuide Ltd. (now owned by St. Jude Medical, Inc.), and as generally shown with reference to one or more of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,233,476; 7,197,354; and 7,386,339, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the medical positioning system 14 may comprise a combination magnetic field-based system and electric field-based system such as, for example and without limitation, the Carto 3™ System also available from Biosense Webster.

In exemplary embodiment, and in general terms, the medical positioning system 14 comprises, at least in part, a magnetic transmitter assembly (MTA) 48 and a magnetic processing core 50 for making P&O determinations. The MTA 48 is configured to generate low-strength magnetic field(s) in and around the patient's chest cavity in a predefined three-dimensional space designated as motion box 52 in FIG. 4. In such an embodiment, and as briefly described above, the catheter 12 includes a positioning sensor 28 comprising a magnetic sensor configured to detect one or more characteristics of the low-strength magnetic field(s) applied by the MTA 48 when the sensor 28 is disposed within the motion box 52. The sensor 28, which in an exemplary embodiment comprises a magnetic coil, is electrically connected to the processing core 50 and configured to generate a signal corresponding to the sensed characteristics of the magnetic field(s) that is provided to the magnetic processing core 50. The processing core 50 is responsive to the detected signal and is configured to calculate a three-dimensional P&O reading for the sensor 28. Thus, the medical positioning system 14 enables real-time tracking of each magnetic sensor 28 of the catheter 12 in three-dimensional space, and therefore, real-time tracking of the catheter 12.

As described above, one drawback to the use of a magnetic field-based medical positioning system in conjunction with elongate medical devices, such as catheters, is that any loops of wire that are separate and distinct from the sensing element (e.g., coil) of the sensor 28 can act as a magnetic pickup when subjected to magnetic fields. As a result, noise or interference may be added to the signals generated by the sensor 28, thereby resulting in not insignificant errors being introduced into P&O determinations based on those signals. For example, and with reference to FIGS. 1-3 b, in the instance wherein the sensor 28 comprises a magnetic coil formed by a wire wrapped numerous times around a core, the leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂ of the sensor 28 are routed from the coil down the shaft 22 of the catheter 12 to the proximal end thereof where they may be terminated in an electromechanical connector, such as, for example, the connector 30. More particularly, the leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂ may be coupled (e.g., soldered, crimped, etc.) to respective pins 40 of the connector 30. However, over the length of the shaft 22, the leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂ may form a loop of wire that may act as a magnetic pickup when subjected or exposed to a magnetic field, thereby causing interference to the signals generated by the sensor 28. To prevent this from occurring, the leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂ may be arranged in a twisted pair pattern along the lengths thereof from the sensing element of the sensor 28 to a point near the termination point of the leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂ at the connector 30.

While the twisted pair arrangement of the leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂ themselves is suitable to prevent the generation of noise within the leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂ along their length, it does not provide a complete solution to the problem. More particularly, in order to be connected to the pins 40 of the connector 30, the leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂ may be untwisted and then connected to respective pins 40. For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b , the leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂ are untwisted and then coupled or connected to pins 40 ₁, 40 ₂, respectively. The combination of the untwisted portion of the leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂, the length of the pins 40 (e.g., 40 ₁, 40 ₂), and the relatively large distance or space between the pins 40 results in, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the formation of a magnetic loop 54 when the connector 30 is mated with a corresponding electromechanical connector 56 of a cable, such as, for example, the cable 34. Due to the location of the connection between the connector 30 and the connector 56, which is in relatively close proximity to the patient bed, this loop 54 may be subjected or exposed to the magnetic field(s) applied by the MTA 48, and therefore, may generate noise or interference in the signal generated by the sensor 28.

One exemplary way to prevent, or at least minimize, the generation of noise or interference in the connection arrangement or assembly of the connector 30 and a complementary connector is illustrated in FIG. 6. In general terms, when the connector 30 is mated with a complementary connector (e.g., the connector 56), a second magnetic loop 58 is formed that is substantially equal in area and opposite in orientation to the magnetic loop 54. As such, when the connection between the connector 30 and connector 56 is subjected or exposed to a magnetic field, the currents induced in the two loops will be equal but opposite, thereby resulting in the currents offsetting each other. Thus, interference to the signals generated by the sensor 28 and transmitted through the connectors 30, 56 is prevented or at least substantially minimized.

More particularly, in order to form the two magnetic loops 54, 58, each connector 30, 56 includes a pair of partial magnetic loops that combine to form a pair of complete loops when the connectors 30, 56 are mated together. With respect to the connector 30, and as briefly described above, one partial loop (referred to as “partial loop 59 ₁” below and represented by dotted or broken lines in FIG. 6) that corresponds to the magnetic loop 54 is formed by the pins 40 ₁, 40 ₂ and the untwisted portion of the leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂. As such, the partial loop 59 ₁ is formed between the pins 40 ₁, 40 ₂ In an exemplary embodiment, the second partial magnetic loop (referred to as “partial loop 59 ₂” below and also represented by dotted or broken lines in FIG. 6) that corresponds to the magnetic loop 58 may be formed by creating a pair of mechanical partial loops 60 between respective pairs of pins 40. As used herein, “loop 60” or “loops 60” may refer to one or more loops 60 ₁, 60 ₂, . . . 60 _(N), as appropriate and as generally illustrated.

More particularly, each of the partial mechanical loops 60 comprises a pair of pins of the corresponding connector, with one pin of each pin pair being connected to a lead wire 32. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the sensor leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂ are electrically connected to pins 40 ₁, 40 ₂, respectively, of the connector 30. To form a first partial mechanical loop 60 ₁, the pin 40 ₁ is electrically connected or jumped to another pin 40 of the connector 30, namely, pin 40 ₃, with a first electrical jumper. Similarly, to form a second partial mechanical loop 60 ₂, the pin 40 ₂ is electrically connected or jumped to another pin 40 of the connector 30, namely, pin 40 ₄, with a second electrical jumper. When the two partial mechanical loops 60 ₁, 60 ₂ are in place, they act to form or create the partial magnetic loop 59 ₂ between the pins 40 ₃, 40 ₄ that is substantially parallel to the partial magnetic loop 59 ₁ between the pins 40 ₁, 40 ₂.

In order to create partial magnetic loops in the connector 30 that when combined with two other partial magnetic loops of a complementary connector to form two complete magnetic loops that are both equal in area and opposite in orientation, the two partial magnetic loops of each connector may also be equal in area and opposite in orientation relative to each other. To that end, in an exemplary embodiment, the pins 40 that are used to form the two partial magnetic loops 59 ₁, 59 ₂ of the connector 30 are arranged in a square with each pin 40 comprising a vertex of the square, and with the pins 40 that are connected to each other to form a partial mechanical loop 60 being diagonal from each other. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the pins 40 ₁-40 ₄ are arranged in a square, with pin 40 ₁ and pin 40 ₃, which form partial mechanical loop 60 ₁, being diagonal from each other, and pin 40 ₂ and pin 40 ₄, which form partial mechanical loop 60 ₂, also being diagonal from each other. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the partial mechanical loops 60 ₁, 60 ₂ may be substantially the same size or length as the length of the untwisted portion of the pair of leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂ that are connected to the pins 40 of the connector 30 (e.g., the partial mechanical loops 60 ₁, 60 ₂ may be substantially the same size as the untwisted portion of the leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂). In order to reduce or limit the area of the loops created in the manner described herein, in an exemplary embodiment, the pins 40 ₁-40 ₄ are arranged to be as close to each other as possible.

Similarly, and with continued reference to FIG. 6, in an exemplary embodiment, the connector 56 of the cable 34 comprises a plurality of pins 62 (as used herein, “pin 62” or “pins 62” may refer to one or more pins 62 ₁, 62 ₂, . . . 62 _(N), as appropriate and as generally illustrated) that comprise respective portions of a pair of partial magnetic loops of the connector 56. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the connector 56 comprises a pair of pins 62 ₁, 62 ₂ that are coupled to a pair of electrical conductors 64 (as used herein, “conductor 64” or “conductors 64” may refer to one or more conductors 64 ₁, 64 ₂, . . . 64 _(N), as appropriate and as generally illustrated) of the cable 34. As with the connector 30 described above, the pins 62 ₁, 62 ₂ along with an untwisted portion of the electrical conductors 64 ₁, 64 ₂, serve to form a first partial magnetic loop 65 ₁ that when combined with the partial magnetic loop 59 ₁ of the connector 30 when the connectors 30, 56 are coupled together, form the complete magnetic loop 54.

As also with the connector 30 described above, a second partial magnetic loop 65 ₂ may be formed by creating a pair of mechanical partial loops 66 between respective pairs of pins 62. When the connectors 30, 56 are coupled together, the second partial magnetic loop 65 ₂ is combined with the partial magnetic loop 59 ₂ of the connector 30 to form the complete magnetic loop 58.

More particularly, to form a first partial mechanical loop 66 ₁, the pin 62 ₁ is electrically connected or jumped to another pin 62 of the connector 56, namely, pin 62 ₃, with a first electrical jumper. Similarly, to form a second partial mechanical loop 66 ₂, the pin 62 ₂ is electrically connected or jumped to another pin 62 of the connector 56, namely, pin 62 ₄, with a second electrical jumper. When the two mechanical partial loops 66 ₁, 66 ₂ are in place, they act to form or create the partial magnetic loop 65 ₂ between the pins 62 ₃, 62 ₄ that is substantially parallel to the partial magnetic loop 65 ₁ between the pins 62 ₁, 62 ₂.

As with the partial magnetic loops 59 of the connector 30, in an exemplary embodiment, the pins 62 that are used to form the two partial magnetic loops 65 ₁, 65 ₂ of the connector 56 are arranged in a square with each pin 62 comprising a vertex of the square, and with the pins 62 that are connected to each other to form a partial mechanical loop 66 _(1-N) being diagonal from each other. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the pins 62 ₁-62 ₄ are arranged in a square, with pin 62 ₁ and pin 62 ₃, which form partial mechanical loop 66 ₁, being diagonal from each other, and pin 62 ₂ and pin 62 ₄, which form partial mechanical loop 66 ₂, also being diagonal from each other. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the partial mechanical loops 66 ₁, 66 ₂ may be substantially the same size or length as the length of the untwisted portion of the pair of electrical conductors 64 that are connected to the pins 62 of the connector 56 (e.g., the mechanical loops 66 ₁, 66 ₂ may be substantially the same size as the untwisted portion of the electrical conductors 64 ₁, 64 ₂). In order to reduce or limit the area of the loops created in the manner described herein, in an exemplary embodiment, the pins 62 ₁-62 ₄ are arranged to be as close to each other as possible.

In order for the partial magnetic loops 59 of the connector 30 and the partial magnetic loops 65 of the connector 56 to combine to form the complete magnetic loops, the pins 40 that form the partial magnetic loops 59 and the pins 62 that form the partial magnetic loops 65 may be connected to each other when the connectors 30, 56 are mated. More particularly, the pins of the respective connectors 30, 56 are arranged in manner that when the connectors are mated, the pin 40 ₁ of the connector 30 is electrically connected to the pin 62 ₁ of the connector 56, the pin 40 ₂ is electrically connected to the pin 62 ₂, the pin 40 ₃ is electrically connected to the pin 62 ₃, and the pin 40 ₄ is electrically connected to the pin 62 ₄.

It will be appreciated that while the description above has thus far been with respect to an embodiment wherein the catheter 12 comprises a single sensor 28, and therefore, comprises a single pair of leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂, such that the connectors 30, 56 each only include a pair of partial magnetic loops 59, 65, respectively, and therefore, a pair of partial mechanical loops 60, 66, respectively, the present disclosure is not meant to be so limited. Rather, in other exemplary embodiments, the catheter 12 may comprise a plurality of sensors 28, each having a pair of leads 32 _(i), 32 _(i+1) terminating at the connector 30. As such, the connectors 30, 56 may each comprise a pair of partial magnetic loops corresponding to each pair of leads 32 _(i), 32 _(i+1) (i.e., for each sensor 28). For instance, FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the connector 30 configured to accommodate a catheter 12 having three sensors 28, each having a pair of leads 32 _(i), 32 _(i+1) (i.e., leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂; leads 32 ₃, 32 ₄; and leads 32 ₅, 32 ₆). Therefore, the connector 30 illustrated in FIG. 7 comprises three pairs of partial magnetic loops 59, and therefore, three pairs of partial mechanical loops 60 (i.e., loops 60 ₁, 60 ₂; loops 60 ₃, 60 ₄; and loops 60 ₅, 60 ₆).

More particularly, the leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂ are coupled to pins 40 ₁, 40 ₂. As described above, each of the pins 40 ₁, 40 ₂ are connected to a respective one of the other pins 40 of the connector 30—pins 40 ₃, 40 ₄, respectively—to form a pair of partial mechanical loops 60 ₁, 60 ₂. Similarly, the leads 32 ₃, 32 ₄ corresponding to another sensor 28 are coupled to pins 40 ₅, 40 ₆. As described above, each of the pins 40 ₅, 40 ₆ are connected to a respective one of the other pins 40 of the connector 30—pins 40 ₇, 40 ₈, respectively—to form a pair of partial mechanical loops 60 ₃, 60 ₄. Finally, the leads 32 ₅, 32 ₆ corresponding to yet another sensor 28 are coupled to pins 40 ₉, 40 ₁₀. As described above, each of the pins 40 ₉, 40 ₁₀ are connected to a respective one of the other pins 40 of the connector 30—pins 40 ₁₁, 40 ₁₂, respectively—to form a pair of partial mechanical loops 60 ₅, 60 ₆.

In such an embodiment, the connector 56 of the cable 34 would be similarly configured so as to form a pair of complete magnetic loops for each pair of leads 32, and therefore, for each sensor 28 when the connectors 30, 56 are mated. Accordingly, the connector 30, the cable 34, and the connector 56 thereof are each configured to accommodate the particular number of sensors 28 that the catheter 12 includes. However, for purposes of clarity and illustration, the description below will be limited to an embodiment wherein the catheter 12 comprises a single sensor 28, and therefore, a single pair of leads 32. Thus, the connectors 30, 56 will each comprise a pair of partial magnetic loops 59, 65, respectively, that combine to form a pair of complete magnetic loops 54, 58. However, it will be appreciated that, as described above, embodiments wherein the catheter 12 comprises a plurality of sensors 28 and a plurality of corresponding pairs of leads 32 remain within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

As described above, an exemplary way to form the partial magnetic loops 59 ₂, 65 ₂ is to create a pair of partial mechanical loops 60 ₁, 60 ₂. The partial mechanical loops 60, 66 of the connectors 30, 56, respectively, may be formed in a variety of ways. For purposes of brevity, the description below will be limited to that of the formation of the partial mechanical loops 60 of the connector 30. It will be appreciated, however, that the same description applies with equal weight to the formation of the partial mechanical loops 66 of the cable connector 56. Accordingly, while the description will not be repeated with respect to the partial mechanical loops 66, the description below applies to the partial mechanical loops 66 of the connector 56 with equal weight.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second electrical jumpers that comprise portions of respective partial mechanical loops 60 may comprise electrical conductor elements (e.g., jumper wire) connected between respective pairs of pins 40. For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 8a , a jumper 68 formed of an electrically conductive material may be connected between the ends of pins 40 ₁, 40 ₃ to form the partial mechanical loop 60 ₁. In another exemplary embodiment, such as that illustrated in FIG. 8b , rather than the jumper 68 being connected between the ends of the pins 40 ₁, 40 ₃, it may be connected between the pins 40 ₁, 40 ₃ at a location between the ends of the pins and the base of the connector 30. In either embodiment, a second jumper 68 would be electrically connected between pins 40 ₂, 40 ₄ to form the partial mechanical loop 60 ₂, however, for purposes of clarity and illustration, this arrangement is not depicted in FIG. 8a or 8 b.

In another exemplary embodiment, the first and second electrical jumpers that comprise portions of respective partial mechanical loops 60 may comprise traces on a printed circuit board that is mounted on the body of the connector 30 (e.g., on the base of the connector 30 proximate the pins 40). More particularly, and as illustrated in FIG. 8c , a printed circuit board 70 having a plurality of through-holes 72 _(1-N), each configured to receive a respective pin 40 of the connector 30, may be mounted onto the body of the connector 30. In such an embodiment, the through-holes 72 _(1-N) of the circuit board 70 may be aligned with the pins 40 of the connector 30 and then slid on and mounted to the body of the connector 30. The circuit board 70 may be mounted to the body of the connector 30 using an adhesive, for example.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8c , the pins 40 ₁, 40 ₃ of the connector 30 are received by and disposed within the through-holes 72 ₁, 72 ₃. The through-holes 72 ₁, 72 ₃ each comprise a surface formed of electrically conductive material that is in contact with the pins 40 ₁, 40 ₃, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the pins 40 may be soldered to the conductive surfaces of the through-holes 72 _(1-N). The electrically conductive surfaces of the through-holes 72 ₁, 72 ₃ are electrically connected to each other by an electrical trace 74 ₁ on a first layer of the circuit board 70. The combination of the conductive surface of the through-holes 72 ₁, 72 ₃ and the trace 74 ₁ form the partial mechanical loop 60 ₁. In such an embodiment, the circuit board 70 comprises a second pair of through-holes 72 ₂, 72 ₄ and a second electrical trace 74 ₂ disposed on a second layer of the circuit board 70 (shown in phantom lines to represent that the trace 74 ₂ is disposed on a second layer of the circuit board 70) to form the second partial mechanical loop 60 ₂ between the pins 40 ₂, 40 ₄. However, for purposes of clarity and illustration, this arrangement is not fully depicted in FIG. 8 c.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, and similar to the embodiment described above and illustrated in FIG. 8c , the first and second electrical jumpers may also be formed by traces on a printed circuit board that is mounted on the body of the connector 30. However, in this embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 8d , rather than the leads 32 being electrically connected directly to the pins 40 of the connector 30, the leads 32 are connected to solder pads on the circuit board 70. Accordingly, the circuit board 70 effectively replaces the portions of the pins 40 extending outward from the body of the connector 30.

More particularly, and as illustrated in FIG. 8d , a printed circuit board 70 having a plurality of through-holes 72, each configured to receive a portion of a respective pin 40 of the connector 30, may be mounted onto the body of the connector 30. In such an embodiment, the through-holes 72 of the circuit board 70 may be aligned with the pins 40 of the connector 30 and then mounted to the body of the connector 30 using, for example, an adhesive. Portions of the pins 40 ₁, 40 ₃ of the connector 30 are received by and disposed within the through-holes 72 ₁, 72 ₃. The through-holes 72 ₁, 72 ₃ each comprise a surface formed of electrically conductive material that is in contact with the pins 40 ₁, 40 ₃, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the pins 40 may be soldered to the conductive surfaces of the through-holes 72 _(1-N). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8d , rather than connecting the leads 32 directly to the pins 40, the circuit board 70 has a plurality of solder or bond pads 76 _(1-N) to which the leads 32 are electrically connected (e.g., soldered). More particularly, the circuit board 70 has a solder pad 76 ₁ to which the lead 32 ₁ is connected, and a solder pad 76 ₂ to which the lead 32 ₂ is connected. Each solder pad 76 is, in turn, electrically connected to the corresponding electrically conductive surface of a respective through-hole 72 _(1-N). For example, the solder pad 76 ₁ illustrated in FIG. 8d is electrically connected to the conductive surface of the through-hole 72 ₁. Similarly, the solder pad 76 ₂ is electrically connected to the conduction surface of the through-hole 72 ₂. Accordingly, a lead 32 may be connected to a pin 40 of the connector 30 through a solder pad 76 _(1-N) and an electrically conductive surface of a through-hole 72 _(1-N) that is electrically connected to both the solder pad 76 and the pin 40.

As with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8c , in an embodiment such as that illustrated in FIG. 8d , the electrically conductive surfaces of the through-holes 72 ₁, 72 ₃ are electrically connected to each other by an electrical trace 74 ₁ on a first layer of the circuit board 70. The combination of the conductive surface of the through-holes 72 ₁, 72 ₃ and the trace 74 ₁ form the partial mechanical loop 60 ₁. In such an embodiment, the circuit board 70 comprises a second pair of through-holes 72 ₂, 72 ₄ and a second electrical trace 74 ₂ disposed on a second layer of the circuit board 70 (shown in phantom lines to represent that the electrical trace 74 ₂ is disposed on a second layer of the circuit board 70) to form the second partial mechanical loop 60 ₂ between the pins 40 ₂, 40 ₄. However, for purposes of clarity and illustration, this arrangement is not fully depicted in FIG. 8 d.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that the partial mechanical loops of the connectors of both the catheter and the cable configured to be mated therewith, may be formed in any number of ways, each of which remains within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

In addition to including partial magnetic loops 59, 65 in each connector 30, 56 that combine to form a pair of magnetic noise cancellation loops 54, 58, in an exemplary embodiment, one or both of the connectors 30, 56 may also be shielded. More particularly, a magnetic shield 77 (best shown in FIGS. 3a and 10a ) formed of a material with high magnetic permeability may placed over the outer housing of one or both of the connectors 30, 56. More particularly, a magnetic shield formed of what is commonly known as a “mu metal” (e.g., a nickel-iron alloy) can be placed over the connectors 30, 56. The magnetic shield acts to effectively reduce the strength of the magnetic field to which the electrical connector is exposed.

As briefly described above, the system 10 may further comprise a cable (e.g., the cable 34 described above) that may be used to connect the catheter 12 with one or more other components of the system 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the catheter 12 and cable 34 may combine to form a medical device assembly, while in another exemplary embodiment, the cable 34 may be part of the component of the system 10 to which the catheter 12 is being connected.

In either instance, in an exemplary embodiment such as that illustrated in FIG. 9, the cable 34 comprises a first electromechanical connector, such as, for example, the connector 56 described above, at a first end 78 thereof, and a second electromechanical connector 80 disposed at a second end 82 thereof. The cable 34 further comprises a plurality of elongate electrical conductors 64 ₁, 64 ₂ (best shown in FIGS. 10a, 10b ) extending between the first and second connectors 56, 80, and therefore, first and second ends 78, 82. In an exemplary embodiment wherein the catheter 12 comprises a single sensor 28, the cable 34 may comprise a single pair of electrical conductors 64. However, in an embodiment wherein the catheter 12 comprises a plurality of sensors 28, the cable 34 may comprise a pair of electrical conductors for each sensor 28 of the catheter 12.

As with the sensor leads 32 of the catheter 12, in order to account for the magnetic environment within which the cable 34 may be disposed as a result of its proximity to the magnetic field generated by the medical positioning system 14, each pair of electrical conductors 64 may be arranged in a twisted pair pattern along the length of the cable 34. For purposes of clarity and illustration, the description below will be with respect to an embodiment wherein the catheter 12 comprises a single sensor 28, and as such the cable 34 comprises a single pair of electrical conductors 64 (i.e., electrical conductors 64 ₁, 64 ₂). As is well known in the art, in addition to the electrical conductors 64 and the connectors 56, 80, the cable 34 may further comprise one or more insulation layers, as well as an outer sheath 83, surrounding the electrical conductors 64.

With reference to FIGS. 10a and 10b , and as described above with respect to the connector 30 of the catheter 12, each of the connectors 56, 80 comprises a first end 84 and a second end 86. The first end 84 of each connector 56, 80 has a plurality of pins 62, and each electrical conductor 64 of the cable 34 is electrically and mechanically connected or coupled to a respective one of the pins 62 of each connector 56, 80 (i.e., one end of each electrical conductor 64 is connected to a respective pin 62 of the connector 56, and the other end of each electrical conductor 64 is connected to a respective pin 62 of the connector 80). The second end 86 of each connector 56, 80 is configured to provide an interface between the cable 34 and the catheter 12, in the case of the cable connector 56, and the cable 34 and another component of the system 10, such as, for example, the medical positioning system 14 or a junction box, in the case of the connector 80.

In an exemplary embodiment, such as that illustrated in FIG. 10a , the second end 86 of one or both of the connectors 56, 80 may take the form of a male plug connector having a plurality of pins 88 that are electrically coupled to, or that comprise, the pins 62 disposed at the first end 84 of the connector 56, 80 (i.e., the pins 62 may extend through the first and second ends 84, 86 of the connectors 56, 80). In such an embodiment, the second end(s) 86 of the connector(s) 56, 80 are configured to be mated with a respective complementary female receptacle connector having a plurality of socket contacts configured to receive the pins 88 of the connector 56, 80. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 10b , the second end 86 of one or both of the connector(s) 56, 80 may take the form of a female receptacle connector having a plurality of sockets 90 configured to receive a corresponding number of pins from a respective complementary male plug connector.

Accordingly, regardless of the particular form the connectors 56, 80 take, the cable 34 is configured to allow for the electrical connection of the catheter 12, and the sensor(s) 28 thereof, in particular, to one or more components of the system 10, such as, for example, the medical positioning system 14 or, as will be described in greater detail below, a junction box.

As described above, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, in exemplary embodiment, the connector 56 of the cable 34 comprises a pair of partial magnetic loops 65 ₁, 65 ₂ that are configured to combine with a pair of partial magnetic loops 59 ₁, 59 ₂ of the connector 30 to form a pair of complete magnetic loops 54, 58 when the connectors are mated. As described above, the purpose of these complete magnetic loops is to prevent, or at least substantially minimize, noise or interference generated in the connection arrangement or assembly of the complementary connectors. The description above with respect to the partial magnetic loops 65 ₁, 65 ₂ and the partial mechanical loops 66 ₁, 66 ₂ of the connector 56 applies here with equal weight and will not be repeated. Rather, the description above is incorporated here by reference.

As with the connector 56, the connector 80 also comprises a pair of partial magnetic loops 91 ₁, 91 ₂ that are configured to combine with a pair of partial magnetic loops of a complementary electromechanical connector of another component of the system 10, for example, to form a pair of complete magnetic loops when the connector 80 is mated therewith. As described above, the purpose of these complete magnetic loops is to prevent, or at least substantially minimize, noise or interface generated in the connection arrangement or assembly of the connector 80 and a complementary connector with which it is mated.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the connector 80 comprises a pair of pins 62 ₁, 62 ₂ that are coupled to the ends of a pair of electrical conductors 64 (i.e., 64 ₁, 64 ₂) of the cable 34 (it will be appreciated that the other ends of the electrical conductors 64 are connected to pins 62 of the connector 56 disposed at the other end of the cable). The pins 62 ₁, 62 ₂ of the connector 80, along with an untwisted portion of the electrical conductors 64 ₁, 64 ₂ serve to form a first partial magnetic loop 91 ₁ (represented by dotted or broken line in FIG. 11) that when combined with a partial magnetic loop of another component of the system 10 forms a first complete magnetic loop. As with the connectors described above, a second partial magnetic loop 91 ₂ (also represented by dotted or broken line in FIG. 11) may be formed by creating a pair of mechanical partial loops 92 ₁, 92 ₂ between respective pairs of pins 62. The partial magnetic loop 91 ₂ is configured to combine with a partial magnetic loop of another component of the system 10 to form a second complete magnetic loop that is substantially equal in area and opposite in orientation to the first complete magnetic loop that is formed, in part, by the partial magnetic loop 91 ₁.

More particularly, to form a first partial mechanical loop 92 ₁, the pin 62 ₁ is electrically connected or jumped to another pin of the connector 80, namely, pin 62 ₃, with a first electrical jumper. Similarly, to form a second partial mechanical loop 92 ₂, the pin 62 ₂ is electrically connected or jumped to another pin of the connector 80, namely, pin 62 ₄, with a second electrical jumper. When the two partial mechanical loops 92 ₁, 92 ₂ are in place, they act to form or create the partial magnetic loop 91 ₂ between the pins 62 ₃, 62 ₄ that is substantially parallel to the partial magnetic loop 91 ₁ between the pins 62 ₁, 62 ₂.

As with the partial mechanical loops 66 of the connector 56, in an exemplary embodiment, the pins 62 of the connector 80 that are used to form the two partial mechanical loops 92 ₁, 92 ₂ are arranged in a square with each pin 62 comprising a vertex of the square, and with the pins 62 that are connected to each other to form a partial mechanical loop 92 being diagonal from each other. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the pins 62 ₁-62 ₄ are arranged in a square, with pin 62 ₁ and pin 62 ₃, which form partial mechanical loop 92 ₁, being diagonal from each other, and pin 62 ₂ and pin 62 ₄, which form partial mechanical loop 92 ₂, also being diagonal from each other. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the partial mechanical loops 92 ₁, 92 ₂ may be substantially the same size or length as the length of the untwisted portion of the pair of electrical conductors 64 that are connected to the pins 62 of the connector 80 (e.g., the loops 92 ₁, 92 ₂ may be substantially the same size as the untwisted portion of the electrical conductors 64 ₁, 64 ₂ proximate the connector 80). In order to reduce or limit the area of the loops created in the manner described herein, in an exemplary embodiment, the pins 62 ₁-62 ₄ are arranged to be as close to each other as possible.

The partial mechanical loops 92 ₁, 92 ₂ of the connector 80 may be formed in a variety of ways. For example, and as with the partial mechanical loops 66 of the connector 56, the partial mechanical loops 92 ₁, 92 ₂ may be formed in the same manner as that described above with respect to the formation of the partial mechanical loops 60 of the connector 30. As such, the description above with respect to the formation of the partial mechanical loops 60 of the connector 30 applies here with equal force and, in the interest of brevity, will not be repeated. Rather the description set forth above is incorporated here by reference.

Accordingly, by arranging the electrical conductors 64 in a twisted pair arrangement and including a pair of partial magnetic loops 91 ₁, 91 ₂ in each connector 56, 80 of the cable 34, noise or interference caused by the exposure of the cable 34 to a magnetic field environment may prevented, or at least substantially reduced, thereby preventing, or at least substantially limiting, the introduction of errors in P&O determinations that are based on the signals generated by the sensor 28 and transmitted over the connectors 56, 80 and the electrical conductors 64 of the cable 34.

In addition to including partial magnetic loops in each connector 56, 80 that combine with partial magnetic loops of a complementary connector when mated therewith to form a pair of magnetic noise cancellation loops, in an exemplary embodiment, one or both of the connectors 56, 80 may also be shielded. More particularly, a magnetic shield 77 (best shown in FIGS. 10a and 11) formed of a material with high magnetic permeability may placed over the outer housing of one or both of the connectors 56, 80. More particularly, a magnetic shield formed of, for example, mu metal can be placed over the connectors 56, 80. The magnetic shield acts to effectively reduce the strength of the magnetic field to which the electrical connector is exposed.

As described above, the cable 34 is configured to electrically and mechanically connect the catheter 12, and the sensor 28 thereof, in particular, to one or more other components of the system 10. As also described above, the cable 34 includes an electromechanical connector 80 that is configured be mated with a complementary electromechanical connector of another component of the system 10. One such component is a junction box 94 that, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, is disposed between the catheter 12 and, for example, the medical positioning system 14.

The junction box 94 may serve a number of purposes. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, such as that illustrated in FIG. 4, the junction box 94 is configured to house an amplifier circuit for amplifying the signals generated by the sensors 28. In another exemplary embodiment, such as that illustrated in FIG. 12, the junction box 94 may be configured, at least in part, to consolidate a plurality of cables 34 corresponding to a plurality of catheters 12 into a single cable that is then routed to one or more other components of the system 10 (e.g., an amplifier, the medical positioning system 14, an ablation generator, a electrophysiology recording system, a tissue contact sensing system, etc.).

In any event, and with reference to FIG. 12, the junction box 94 comprises a housing 96 that is configured to house one or more components. The housing 96 may be constructed of a number of materials, such as, for example, plastic. Due to the proximity of the junction box to magnetic field generated by the medical positioning system 14, the junction box 94 may further include magnetic field shielding. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the junction box 94 may be shielded by a material, such as, for example, mu metal, that is configured as a magnetic shield and acts to effectively eliminate or substantially reduce the strength of the magnetic field to which the components within the housing 94 are exposed.

The junction box 94 further comprises one or more input ports, each in the form of an electromechanical connector 98, disposed in a wall of the housing 96 that is/are configured to be mated with, for example, one or more respective complementary electromechanical connectors, such as, for example, the connector 80 of the cable 34. In an exemplary embodiment such as that illustrated in FIG. 13, and as will be described more fully below, a first end 100 of the connector 98 is disposed internal to the housing 96 and has a plurality of pins 102 _(1-N). In an exemplary embodiment, two or more of the pins 102 _(1-N) are electrically connected to a header 104 of a circuit board 106 disposed within the housing 96 by respective electrical conductors 108 _(1-N) (e.g., wires 108 ₁, 108 ₂, 108 ₃, 108 ₄). A second end 110 of the connector 98 opposite the first end 100 is configured to be mated with, for example, one or more respective complementary electromechanical connectors, such as, for example, the connector 80 of the cable 34, and therefore, to provide an interface between the catheter 12, and the sensor(s) 28 thereof, in particular, and the junction box 94.

For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the second end 110 of the connector 98 may take the form of a male plug connector having a plurality of pins that are electrically coupled to, or that comprise, the pins 102 disposed at the first end 100 of the connector 98. In such an embodiment, the second end 110 of the connector 98 is configured to be mated with a complementary female receptacle connector of a cable, such as, for example, the connector 80 of the cable 34, having a plurality of socket contacts configured to receive the pins of the connector 98. Alternatively, the second end 110 of the connector 98 may take the form of a female receptacle connector having a plurality of sockets configured to receive a corresponding number of pins from a complementary male plug connector of a cable, such as, for example, the connector 80 of the cable 34.

For purposes of clarity and illustration, the description below will be limited to an embodiment wherein the junction box 94 has a single input port connector 98. For the same reasons, the description below will be further limited to an embodiment wherein the connector 98 is configured to accommodate a single-sensor catheter such that the first end 100 of the connector 98 comprises only four pins 102. It will be appreciated, however, that in other exemplary embodiments, the junction box 94 may comprise any number of input ports or connectors 98, as well as connectors 98 that are configured to accommodate catheters having any number of sensors mounted thereon. Therefore, embodiments wherein the junction box 94 comprises two or more connectors 98, or one or more connectors 98 that are each configured to accommodate a catheter having more than one sensor, remain within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Because the junction box 94 may be disposed in relatively close proximity to the magnetic field generated by the medical positioning system 14, steps may be taken to prevent, or at least substantially minimize, noise or interference being introduced to the signals being transmitted from the catheter 12, and the sensor 28 thereof, in particular, through the junction box 94 from the exposure of the junction box 94 to a magnetic field environment.

For the same reasons described above with respect to the connector 30 of the catheter 12, one particular location in which such steps may be taken is at the connector 98 of the junction box 94. As described above, the connector 98 is configured to be mated with a complementary connector of a cable, such as, for example, the connector 80 of the cable 34. As also described above, the connector 80 includes a pair of partial magnetic loops 91 that when combined with corresponding partial magnetic loops of a complementary connector, form a pair of complete magnetic loops (i.e., magnetic field noise cancellation loops). Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, the connector 98 comprises a pair of partial magnetic loops 111 ₁, 111 ₂ that are complementary with the partial magnetic loops 91 of the connector 80, and therefore, are configured to form a pair of complete magnetic loops therewith when the connectors 80, 98 are mated.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the connector 98 comprises a pair of pins 102 ₁, 102 ₂ that are configured to be electrically coupled with the corresponding pins 62 ₁, 62 ₂ of the connector 80, and therefore, the electrical conductors 64 ₁, 64 ₂ of the cable 34. In an exemplary embodiment, the pins 102 ₁, 102 ₂ are coupled to wires 108 ₁, 108 ₂, respectively, that are arranged in a twisted pair pattern between the connector 98 and the header 104. The pins 102 ₁, 102 ₂ along with an untwisted portion of the wires 108 ₁, 108 ₂ proximate the connector 98 serve to form a first partial magnetic loop 111 ₁ (represented by dotted or broken line in FIG. 13) that when combined with the partial magnetic loop 91 ₁ of the connector 80 when the connectors 80, 98 are coupled together, form a complete magnetic loop.

As with the connectors described above, a second partial magnetic loop 111 ₂ (also represented by dotted or broken line in FIG. 13) may be formed between a respective pair of pins 102, namely, pins 102 ₃, 102 ₄. When the connectors 80, 98 are coupled together, the partial magnetic loop 91 ₂ of the connector 80 is combined with the partial magnetic loop 111 ₂ of the connector 98 to form a complete magnetic loop that is substantially equal in area and opposite in orientation to the complete magnetic loop that is formed, in part, by the partial magnetic loops 91 ₁, 111 ₁. In an exemplary embodiment, the partial magnetic loop 111 ₂ may be formed by creating a pair of partial mechanical loops 112 ₁, 112 ₂ between respective pairs of pins 102.

More particularly, to form a first partial mechanical loop 112 ₁, the pin 102 ₁ is electrically connected or jumped to another pin 102 of the connector 98, namely, pin 102 ₃, with a first electrical jumper. Similarly, to form a second partial mechanical loop 112 ₂, the pin 102 ₂ is electrically connected to another pin 102 of the connector 98, namely, pin 102 ₄, with a second electrical jumper. When the two mechanical partial loops 112 ₁, 112 ₂ are in place, they act to form or create the partial magnetic loop 111 ₂ between the pins 102 ₃, 102 ₄ that is substantially parallel to the partial magnetic loop 111 ₁ between the pins 102 ₁, 102 ₂.

As with the partial mechanical loops 92 of the connector 80, in an exemplary embodiment, the pins 102 of the connector 98 that are used to form the two partial mechanical loops 112 ₁, 112 ₂ may be arranged in a square with each pin 102 comprising a vertex of the square, and with the pins 102 that are connected to each other to form a partial mechanical loop 112 being diagonal from each other. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, the pins 102 ₁-102 ₄ are arranged in a square, with pin 102 ₁ and pin 102 ₃, which form partial mechanical loop 112 ₁, being diagonal from each other, and pin 102 ₂ and pin 102 ₄, which form partial mechanical loop 112 ₂, also being diagonal from each other. Further, in order to reduce or limit the area of the loops created in the manner described herein, in an exemplary embodiment, the pins 102 ₁-102 ₄ are arranged to be as close to each other as possible.

In order for the partial magnetic loops 91 of the connector 80 and the partial magnetic loops 111 of the connector 98 to combine to form a pair of complete magnetic loops, the pins 62 that form the partial magnetic loops 91 and the pins 102 that form the partial magnetic loops 111 may be connected to each other when the connectors 80, 98 are mated. More particularly, the pins of the respective connectors 80, 98 are arranged in manner that when the connectors are mated, the pin 62 ₁ of the connector 80 is electrically connected to the pin 102 ₁ of the connector 98, the pin 62 ₂ is electrically connected to the pin 102 ₂, the pin 62 ₃ is electrically connected to the pin 102 ₃, and the pin 62 ₄ is electrically connected to the pin 102 ₄.

The partial mechanical loops 112 of the connector 98 may be formed in a variety of ways. For example, and as with the partial mechanical loops 66, 92 of the connectors 56, 80, the partial mechanical loops 112 may be formed in the same manner as that described above with respect to the formation of the partial mechanical loops 60 of the connector 30. As such, the description above with respect to the formation of the partial mechanical loops 60 of the connector 30 applies here with equal force and, in the interest of brevity, will not be repeated. Rather the description set forth above is incorporated here by reference. In addition to including partial magnetic loops in connector 98 that combine with partial magnetic loops of a complementary connector when mated therewith to form a pair of magnetic noise cancellation loops, in an exemplary embodiment, the connector 98 may also be shielded. More particularly, a magnetic shield (not shown) formed of a material with high magnetic permeability may be placed over the outer housing of the connector 98. More particularly, a magnetic shield formed of, for example, mu metal can be placed over the connector 98. The magnetic shield acts to effectively reduce the strength of the magnetic field to which the electrical connector is exposed.

In another exemplary embodiment, rather than the partial magnetic loops 111 that combine with the partial magnetic loops 91 of the cable connector 80 being located in the connector 98 itself, the partial magnetic loops 111 may be formed elsewhere within the junction box 94 such as, for example, on the circuit board 106. In one such embodiment, each of the pins 102 ₁-102 ₄ (as opposed to just the pin pins 102 ₁, 102 ₂ in the embodiment described above and illustrated in FIG. 13) may be connected to the header 104 of the circuit board 106 by a respective conductor or wire 108. The partial magnetic loops on the circuit board 106 may be formed in a number of ways.

More particularly, each of the pins 102 ₁-102 ₄ of the connector 98 are electrically connected to a respective trace 114 ₁-114 ₄ of the circuit board 106 through the combination of a respective wire 108 and the header 104 of the circuit board 106 (not shown in FIG. 14). For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 15, a wire 108 ₁ is electrically connected between the pin 102 ₁ and a socket 116 ₁ of the header 104, which has a corresponding electrically conductive element disposed within the body of the header 104 that is configured to electrically connect the wire 108 ₁ to the trace 114 ₁ of the circuit board 106 (the trace 114 ₁ is best shown in FIG. 14). Similarly, wires 108 ₂-108 ₄ are electrically connected between respective pins 102 ₂-102 ₄ and sockets 116 ₂-116 ₄ of the header 104, each socket 116 _(1-N) having a corresponding electrically conductive element disposed within the body of the header 104 that is configured to electrically connect the respective wires 108 ₂-108 ₄ to the traces 114 ₂-114 ₄ of the circuit board 106. Accordingly, the wires 108 effectively extend the loops created by the partial magnetic loops 91 of the connector 80 down to the circuit board 106. It will be appreciated that in an exemplary embodiment, the wires 108 may be arranged in twisted pairs. For example, in one such embodiment, the wires 108 ₁, 108 ₃ may be arranged in a twisted pair pattern, and the wires 108 ₂, 108 ₄ may also be arranged in such a pattern. Alternatively, the wires 108 may not be arranged in twisted pairs.

With reference to FIG. 14, a first partial magnetic loop 111 ₁′ that will complete the second partial magnetic loop 91 ₂ of the cable connector 80, is formed between the traces 114 ₃ and 114 ₄ of the circuit board 106. More particularly, each of these traces is electrically coupled to signal and return traces, respectively, on the circuit board 106. The combination of the arrangement of the signal and return traces proximate the traces 114 ₃, 114 ₄ and the traces 114 ₃, 114 ₄ themselves, forms the first partial magnetic loop 111 ₁′ between the traces 114 ₃, 114 ₄.

In an exemplary embodiment, a second partial magnetic loop 111 ₂′ that will complete the partial magnetic loop 91 ₁ of the cable connector 80 may be formed by a pair of partial mechanical loops 112′ disposed on the circuit board 106. More particularly, to form a first partial mechanical loop 112 ₁′, the trace 114 ₁ is electrically connected to the trace 114 ₃ by yet another trace (i.e., trace 118 ₁) disposed on a first layer or top side of the circuit board 106. Similarly, to form a second partial mechanical loop 112 ₂′, the trace 114 ₂ is electrically connected to the trace 114 ₄ by yet still another trace (i.e., trace 118 ₂, which is shown in phantom in FIG. 14 to indicate that it is on another layer or bottom side of the board 106 from trace 118 ₁) that may be disposed on a second layer or bottom side of the circuit board 106. The two partial mechanical loops 112 ₁′, 112 ₂′ act to form or create the partial magnetic loop 111 ₂′ between the traces 114 ₁, 114 ₂. When the partial magnetic loops 91 ₁, 111 ₂′ and 91 ₂, 111 ₁′ are combined, they form a pair of complete magnetic noise cancellation loops that are substantially equal in area and opposite in orientation.

As described elsewhere above, in order to create partial magnetic loops that when combined with two other partial magnetic loops to form two complete magnetic loops that are both equal in area and opposite in orientation, the two partial mechanical loops of each of the connector 80 and the circuit board 106 may also be equal in area and opposite in orientation relative to each other. To that end, the electrical traces 114 of the circuit board 106 that are used to form the two partial magnetic loops 111′ may be arranged in a square, with each trace 114 comprising a respective vertex of the square, and with the traces 114 that are connected to each other to form a partial mechanical loop 112′ being diagonal from each other. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the traces 114 ₁-114 ₄ are arranged in a square, with traces 114 ₁, 114 ₃, which form partial mechanical loop 112 ₁′, being diagonal from each other, and traces 114 ₂, 114 ₄, which form partial mechanical loop 112 ₂′, also being diagonal from each other.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, rather than the partial magnetic loops 111′ disposed on the circuit board 106 being located proximate the header 104 thereof, the partial magnetic loops 111′ are effectively formed and extend along the length of the circuit board 106. In such an embodiment, the partial magnetic loops 111′ may terminate proximate an amplifier disposed on the circuit board 106, or an output port of the junction box 94.

In such an embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 16, through a combination of the wires 108 ₁-108 ₄ and corresponding sockets 116 ₁-116 ₄ of the header 104 (and the electrically conductive elements thereof in particular), each of the pins 102 ₁-102 ₄ of the connector 98 are electrically connected to either a signal trace or a return trace of the circuit board 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the wire pairs 108 ₁, 108 ₃ and 108 ₂, 108 ₄ may each be arranged in a twisted pair pattern between the pins 102 and the sockets 116, however, in other embodiments the wires 108 may not be so arranged, but rather may be arranged in a different manner.

With continued reference to FIG. 16, and as briefly described above, the circuit board 106 comprises both signal and return traces thereon. More particularly, in an exemplary embodiment, the circuit board 106 comprises a first layer 120 and a second layer 122 with each layer 120, 122 containing a signal trace 124 and a return trace 126 thereon. For example, the first layer 120 may comprise a first signal trace 124 ₁ and a first return trace 126 ₁ disposed thereon, while the second layer 122 may comprise a second signal trace 124 ₂ and a second return trace 126 ₂ disposed thereon.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the second return trace 126 ₂ on the second layer 122 of the circuit board 106 is located directly below the first signal trace 124 ₁ on the first layer 120 thereof, while the second signal trace 124 ₂ of the second layer 122 of the circuit board 106 is located directly below the first return trace 126 ₁ of the first layer 120 thereof. The signal and return traces 124, 126 on each layer 120, 122 of the circuit board 106 are arranged in this manner such that they are opposite (and, in one embodiment, exactly opposite) to each other so that any magnetic pickup on the board 106 between the two traces on the first layer 120 is equal and opposite of the magnetic pickup between the two traces on the second layer 122. In other words the signal and return traces 124 ₁, 126 ₁ on the first layer 120 form a first partial magnetic loop 111 ₁″ that combines with the partial magnetic loop 91 ₁ of the connector 80 to form a first complete magnetic loop. Similarly, the signal and return traces 124 ₂, 126 ₂ on the second layer 122 form a second partial magnetic loop 111 ₂″ that combines with the partial magnetic loop 91 ₂ of the connector 80 to form a second complete magnetic loop. The complete magnetic loops formed by the partial magnetic loops 91 ₁, 111 ₁″ and 91 ₂ and 111 ₂″, respectively, are substantially equal in area and opposite in orientation to each other to cancel out currents induced therein as a result of magnetic pickup.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, the partial magnetic loops 111 ₁″, 111 ₂″ may be formed as follows. As briefly described above, each of the pins 102 ₁-102 ₄ of the connector 98 are connected to one of the signal or return traces 124, 126. More specifically, in an embodiment such as that illustrated in FIG. 16, the first layer 120 of the circuit board 106 comprises a first set of four through-holes 128 ₁-128 ₄ arranged, for example, in a square, and the second layer 122 also comprises a first set of four through-holes 130 ₁-130 ₄ arranged, for example, in a square, and that are aligned (and, in one embodiment, exactly aligned) with the first set of through-holes 128 ₁-128 ₄ of the first layer 120. In the illustrated embodiment, these first sets of through-holes of each layer 120, 122 of the circuit board 106 are disposed at or near a first end of the circuit board 106 proximate the header 104 thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, in an exemplary embodiment, an electrically conductive surface of the first through-hole 128 ₁ of the first layer 120 is electrically connected to an electrically conductive element of the socket 116 ₁ of the header 104 to which the pin 102 ₁ of the connector 98 is connected via the wire 108 ₁. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connection between the electrically conductive surface of the first through-hole 128 ₁ and the electrically conductive element of the socket 116 ₁ is made through a first trace 132 on the circuit board 106. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the first signal trace 124 ₁ is also electrically connected to the electrically conductive surface of the first through-hole 128 ₁. Accordingly, through the combination of the wire 108 ₁, the header socket 116 ₁, and the electrically conductive surface of the through-hole 128 ₁, the pin 102 ₁ is electrically connected to the first signal trace 124 ₁.

Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment, an electrically conductive surface of the second through-hole 128 ₂ of the first layer 120 is electrically connected to an electrically conductive element of the socket 116 ₂ of the header 104 to which the pin 102 ₂ of the connector 98 is connected via the wire 108 ₂. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connection between the electrically conductive surface of the second through-hole 128 ₂ and the electrically conductive element of the socket 116 ₂ is made through a second trace 134 on the circuit board 106. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the first return trace 126 ₁ is also electrically connected to the electrically conductive surface of the second through-hole 128 ₂. Accordingly, through the combination of the wire 108 ₂, the header socket 116 ₂, and the electrically conductive surface of the through-hole 128 ₂, the pin 102 ₂ is electrically connected to the first return trace 126 ₁.

With continued reference to FIG. 16, in an exemplary embodiment, an electrically conductive surface the third through-hole 128 ₃ of the first layer 120 is electrically connected to an electrically conductive element of the socket 116 ₃ of the header 104 to which the pin 102 ₃ of the connector 98 is connected with the wire 108 ₃. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connection between the electrically conductive surface of the third through-hole 128 ₃ and the electrically conductive element of the socket 116 ₃ is made through a third trace 136 on the circuit board 106. As illustrated in FIG. 16, in an exemplary embodiment, an electrically conductive pin 138 ₁ is disposed within and extends between each of the third through-hole 128 ₃ of the first layer 120, and the third through-hole 130 ₃ of the second layer 122. The pin 138 ₁ serves to electrically connect the electrically conductive surfaces of the through-holes 128 ₃, 130 ₃. The electrically conductive surface of the third through-hole 130 ₃ of the second layer 122 is electrically connected to the second signal trace 124 ₂ of the second layer 122. Accordingly, through the combination of the wire 108 ₃, the header socket 116 ₃, the third through-hole 128 ₃ of the first layer 120, the pin 138 ₁, and the third through hole 130 ₃ of the second layer 122, the pin 102 ₃ is electrically connected to the second signal trace 124 ₂.

Finally, in the illustrated embodiment, an electrically conductive surface of the fourth through-hole 128 ₄ of the first layer 120 is electrically connected to an electrically conductive element of the socket 116 ₄ of the header 104 to which the pin 102 ₄ of the connector 98 is connected via the wire 108 ₄. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connection between the electrically conductive surface of the fourth through-hole 128 ₄ and the electrically conductive element of the socket 116 ₄ is made through a fourth trace 140 on the circuit board 106. As illustrated in FIG. 16, in an exemplary embodiment, an electrically conductive pin 138 ₂ is disposed within and extends between each of the fourth through-hole 128 ₄ of the first layer 120, and the second through-hole 130 ₄ of the second layer 122. The pin 138 ₂ serves to electrically connect the electrically conductive surfaces of the through-holes 128 ₄, 130 ₄. The electrically conductive surface of the fourth through-hole 130 ₄ of the second layer 122 is electrically connected to the second return trace 126 ₂ of the second layer 122. Accordingly, through the combination of the wire 108 ₄, the header socket 116 ₄, the fourth through-hole 128 ₄ of the first layer 120, the pin 138 ₂, and the fourth through hole 130 ₄ of the second layer 122, the pin 102 ₄ is electrically connected to the second return trace 126 ₂.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the first layer 120 of the circuit board 106 further comprises a second set of four through-holes 142 ₁-142 ₄ arranged, for example, in a square, and the second layer 122 also comprises a second set of four through-holes 144 ₁-144 ₄ arranged, for example, in a square, and that are aligned (and, in one embodiment, exactly aligned) with the second set of through-holes 142 ₁-142 ₄ of the first layer 120. In the illustrated embodiment, these second sets of through-holes of each layer 120, 122 of the circuit board 106 are disposed at or near a second end of the circuit board 106 opposite the first end thereof at which the first sets of through-holes are disposed.

In the illustrated embodiment, an electrically conductive surface of the first through-hole 142 ₁ of the first layer 120 is electrically connected to the first signal trace 124 ₁. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the third through-hole 142 ₃ of the first layer 120 is disposed diagonal from the first though-hole 142 ₁ and has an electrically conductive surface that is electrically connected to that of the first though-hole 142 ₁ by way of a trace 146 on the first layer 120 of the circuit board 106. In an exemplary embodiment, an electrically conductive pin 138 ₃ is disposed within and extends between each of the third through-hole 142 ₃ of the first layer 120 and the third through-hole 144 ₃ of the second layer 122. The pin 138 ₃ serves to electrically connect the electrically conductive surfaces of the through-holes 142 ₃, 144 ₃. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the electrically conductive surface of the third through-hole 144 ₃ of the second layer 122 is electrically connected to the second signal trace 124 ₂ disposed on the second layer 122. It will be appreciated that the electrically conductive surface of the third through-hole 142 ₃ of the first layer 120 may be further electrically connected to, for example, an amplifier or an output port of the junction box 94 to allow for the further communication of the signal transmitted over the signal traces 124 ₁, 124 ₂ of the circuit board 106.

As a result of this arrangement, a first partial mechanical loop 112 ₁″ is formed between the first and second layers 120, 122 of the circuit board 106, and the first and second signal traces 124 ₁, 124 ₂ thereof, in particular.

Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 16, an electrically conductive surface of the fourth through-hole 144 ₄ of the second layer 122 is electrically connected to the second return trace 126 ₂ of the second layer 122. The second through-hole 144 ₂ of the second layer 122 is disposed diagonally from the fourth through-hole 144 ₄ of the second layer 122 and has an electrically conductive surface that is electrically connected to that of the fourth through-hole 144 ₄ by way of a trace 148 on the second layer 122 of the circuit board 106. In an exemplary embodiment, an electrically conductive pin 138 ₄ is disposed within and extends between each of the fourth through-hole 144 ₄ of the second layer 122 and the fourth through-hole 142 ₄ of the first layer 120. The pin 138 ₄ serves to electrically connect the electrically conductive surfaces of the through-holes 142 ₄, 144 ₄.

In an exemplary embodiment, an electrically conductive pin 138 ₅ is also disposed within and extends between each of the second through-hole 144 ₂ of the second layer 122 and the second through-hole 142 ₂ of the first layer 120. The pin 138 ₅ serves to electrically connect the electrically conductive surfaces of the through-holes 142 ₂, 144 ₂. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the electrically conductive surface of the second through-hole 142 ₂ of the first layer 120 is electrically connected to the first return trace 126 ₁ that is disposed on the first layer 120. It will be appreciated that the electrically conductive surface of the fourth through-hole 142 ₄ of the first layer 120 may be further electrically connected to, for example, an amplifier or an output port of the junction box 94 to allow for the extension of the return path from the circuit board 106.

As a result of the above-described arrangement, a second partial mechanical loop 112 ₂″ is formed between the first and second layers 120, 122 of the circuit board 106, and the first and second return traces 126 ₁, 126 ₂ thereof, in particular.

The combination of the first and second partial mechanical loops 112 ₁″ and 112 ₂″ result in the formation of the first partial magnetic loop 111 ₁″ on the first layer 120 of the circuit board 106 between the first signal and return traces 124 ₁, 126 ₁, and the formation of the second partial magnetic loop 111 ₂″ on the second layer 122 of the circuit board 106 between the second signal and return traces 124 ₂, 126 ₂. The partial magnetic loop 111 ₁″ combines with the partial magnetic loop 91 ₁ of the connector 80 to form a first complete magnetic loop, while the partial magnetic loop 111 ₂″ combines with the partial magnetic loop 91 ₂ to form a second complete magnetic loop. As described above, the first and second complete magnetic loops are both substantially equal in area and opposite in orientation so as to cancel out any current induced therein as a result of magnetic pickup.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that any number of arrangements can be implemented by which complete magnetic loops are formed between the partial magnetic loops of the cable connector 80 and partial magnetic loops disposed either within the connector 98 of the junction box 94 or within the junction box 94 itself, each of which remains within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The description has thus far been primarily with respect to the prevention of noise or interference at the connection points between the catheter 12 and the cable 34, and the cable 34 and the junction box 94. In certain instances, such as, for example, when the junction box 94 is not shielded, there are other locations within the junction box 94 at which steps may be taken to prevent the introduction of noise or interference from the magnetic field environment. One such location is the area between the pins 102 of the junction box connector 98 and the circuit board 106 disposed within the junction box 94.

More particularly, and as described above, some or all of the pins 102 are electrically connected to the header 104 of the circuit board 106 by electrical conductors or wires 108. In general terms, these wires 108 serve to connect the sensor 28 to the circuit board 106. More specifically, the leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂ of the sensor 28 are connected to the electrical conductors 64 ₁, 64 ₂ of the cable 34 through the connection arrangement of the catheter connector 30 and a cable connector 56. The electrical conductors 64 ₁, 64 ₂ are, in turn, connected to the wires 108 ₁, 108 ₂, through the connection arrangement of the cable connector 80 and the junction box connector 98. The wires 108 ₁, 108 ₂ are then connected to the circuit board 106 through the header 104.

Due to the length of the wires 108, it is possible that they may act as a magnetic pickup, resulting in noise or interference to the signal generated by the sensor 28 and transmitted over the wires 108. As illustrated in FIG. 13, and as with the leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂ of the sensor 28 and the electrical conductors 64 ₁, 64 ₂ of the cable 34, one way to account for this is to arrange the wires 108 in a twisted pair pattern along the length of the wires 108 between the pins 102 and the header 104.

While this twisted pair arrangement of the wires 108 addresses the potential issue in the area between the pins 102 and the header 104, another area that may be susceptible to the generation of noise or interference as a result of the magnetic field environment is the area within the header 104 itself. More particularly, the combination of the untwisted portion of the wires 108 that is required to connect the wires 108 to the header 104 and the electrically conductive elements between the termination points of the wires 108 and the connection of the header 104 to traces on the circuit board 106 may create a magnetic loop that can act as a magnetic pickup.

To account for this, and similar to the connectors 30, 56, 80, 98 above, a second magnetic loop is formed that is substantially equal in area and opposite in orientation to the magnetic loop formed by between the electrically conductive elements of the header 104. As such, when the header 104 is subjected or exposed to a magnetic field, the currents induced in the two loops will be equal but opposite, thereby resulting in the currents offsetting each other. Thus, interference to the signals generated by the sensor 28 and transmitted through the header 104 is prevented, or at least substantially minimized.

With reference to FIG. 17, to form the pair of complete magnetic loops, the top side of the header 104 at which the wires 108 terminate, and the circuit board 106 to which the header 104 is connected, each comprise a pair of partial magnetic loops (i.e., partial magnetic loops 150 ₁₋₂, 152 ₁₋₂, respectively) that combine to form the pair of complete magnetic loops.

With respect to the partial magnetic loops 150 of the header 104, each partial magnetic loop 150 comprises a pair of electrically conductive elements of the header 104, More particularly, and in an exemplary embodiment, one partial magnetic loop (referred to as “partial magnetic loop 150 ₁” below) is formed by the untwisted portion of the wires 108 ₁, 108 ₂ and the electrically conductive elements of the sockets 116 ₁, 116 ₂ of the header 104 to which the wires 108 ₁, 108 ₂ are electrically connected. As such, the partial magnetic loop 150 ₁ is formed between the electrically conductive elements of the sockets 116 ₁, 116 ₂. In an exemplary embodiment, the second partial magnetic loop (referred to as “partial loop 150 ₂” below) may be formed by creating a pair of mechanical partial loops 151 ₁, 151 ₂ between respective pairs of electrically conductive elements of sockets 116 of the header 104.

More particularly, each of the partial mechanical loops 151 ₁, 151 ₂ comprises a pair of electrically conductive elements of sockets of the header 104, with one electrically conductive element of each pair being connected to a wire 108. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, the wires 108 ₁, 108 ₂ are electrically connected to the electrically conductive elements of the sockets 116 ₁, 116 ₂, respectively of the header 104. To form a first partial mechanical loop 151 ₁, the electrically conductive element of the socket 116 ₁ is electrically connected or jumped to the electrically conductive element of another socket 116, namely, socket 116 ₃, with a first electrical jumper. Similarly, to form a second partial mechanical loop 151 ₂, the electrically conductive element of the socket 116 ₂ is electrically connected or jumped to the electrically conductive element of another socket 116 of the header 104, namely, the electrically conductive element of the socket 116 ₄, with a second electrical jumper. When the two partial mechanical loops are in place, they act to form or create a second partial magnetic loop 150 ₂ between the electrically conductive elements of the sockets 116 ₃, 116 ₄ that is substantially parallel to the partial magnetic loop 150 ₁ between the electrically conductive elements of the sockets 116 ₁, 116 ₂.

In order to create partial magnetic loops that when combined with two other partial magnetic loops to form two complete magnetic loops that are both equal in area and opposite in orientation, the two partial magnetic loops of each of the header 104 and the circuit board 106 may also be equal in area and opposite in orientation relative to each other. To that end, in an exemplary embodiment, the electrically conductive elements, and therefore, the sockets 116 corresponding thereto, that form the two partial magnetic loops 150 of the header 104 may be arranged in a square with each electrically conductive element comprising a vertex of the square, and with the conductive elements and sockets 116 that are connected to each other to form a partial mechanical loop 151 being diagonal from each other. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, the sockets 116 ₁-116 ₄ are arranged in a square, with socket 116 ₁ and socket 116 ₃, which form partial mechanical loop 151 ₁, being diagonal from each other, and socket 116 ₂ and socket 116 ₄, which form partial mechanical loop 151 ₂, also being diagonal from each other. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the partial mechanical loops 151 ₁, 151 ₂ may be substantially the same size or length as the length of the untwisted portion of the wires 108 that are connected to the header 104 (e.g., the partial loops 151 ₁, 151 ₂ may be substantially the same size as the untwisted portion of the wires 108 ₁, 108 ₂ proximate the header 104).

As briefly described above, the partial magnetic loops 150 of the header 104 are configured to combine with a pair of partial magnetic loops 152 disposed on the circuit board 106 to form two complete magnetic loops. The partial magnetic loops 152 in the circuit board 106 may be formed in a number of ways.

More particularly, and with reference to FIG. 18, each of the electrically conductive elements of the header 104 corresponding to the sockets 116 ₁-116 ₄ thereof are electrically connected to a respective trace 154 _(1-N) on the circuit board 106. For example, the electrically conductive element corresponding to the socket 116 ₁, and therefore, wire 108 ₁ connected between the connector 98 and header 104, is coupled to a trace 154 ₁, and the conductive element corresponding to the socket 116 ₂, and therefore, the wire 108 ₂ connected between the connector 98 and the header 104, is coupled to a trace 154 ₂. Similarly, the conductive elements corresponding to the sockets 116 ₃, 116 ₄ are electrically connected to traces 154 ₃, 154 ₄, respectively.

With continued reference to FIG. 18, a first partial magnetic loop 152 ₁ that will complete the second partial magnetic loop 150 ₂ of the header 104, is formed between the traces 154 ₃ and 154 ₄ of the circuit board 106. More particularly, each of these traces is electrically coupled to a respective one a signal trace 124 and a return trace 126 on the circuit board 106. The combination of the arrangement of the signal and return traces 124, 126 proximate traces 154 ₃, 154 ₄ and the traces 154 ₃, 154 ₄ themselves, forms the first partial magnetic loop 152 ₁ between the traces 154 ₃, 154 ₄.

In an exemplary embodiment, a second partial magnetic loop 152 ₂ that will complete the partial magnetic loop 150 ₁ of the header 104 may be formed by a pair of partial mechanical loops 153 ₁, 153 ₂ disposed on the circuit board 106. More particularly, to form a first partial mechanical loop 153 ₁, the trace 154 ₁ is electrically to the trace 154 ₃ by yet another trace (i.e., trace 156 ₁) disposed on a first layer or the top side of the circuit board 106. Similarly, to form a second partial mechanical loop 153 ₂, the trace 154 ₂ is electrically connected to the trace 154 ₄ by yet still another trace (i.e., trace 156 ₂, which is shown in phantom in FIG. 18 to indicate that it is disposed on another layer or bottom side of the circuit board 106 from trace 156 ₁) that may be disposed on a second layer or the bottom side of the circuit board 106. The two partial mechanical loops 153 ₁, 153 ₂ act to form or create the partial magnetic loop 152 ₂ between the traces 154 ₁, 154 ₂. When the partial magnetic loops 150 ₁, 152 ₂ and 150 ₂, 152 ₁ are combined, they form a pair of complete magnetic noise cancellation loops that are substantially equal in area and opposite in orientation.

As described elsewhere above, in order to create partial magnetic loops that when combined with two other partial magnetic loops to form two complete magnetic loops that are both equal in area and opposite in orientation, the two partial magnetic loops of each of the header 104 and the circuit board 106 may also be equal in area and opposite in orientation relative to each other. To that end, in an exemplary embodiment, electrical traces 154 ₁-154 ₄ of the circuit board 106 used to form the two partial magnetic loops 152 ₁, 152 ₂ of the circuit board 106 may be arranged in a square, with each trace 154 _(1-N) comprising a respective vertex of the square, and with the traces 154 _(1-N) that are connected to each other to form a partial mechanical loop 153 _(1-N) being diagonal from each other. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, the traces 154 ₁-154 ₄ are arranged in a square, with traces 154 ₁, 154 ₃, which form partial mechanical loop 153 ₁, being diagonal from each other, and traces 154 ₂, 154 ₄, which form partial mechanical loop 153 ₂, also being diagonal from each other.

Accordingly, by forming two complete magnetic loops through the header 104 with a pair of partial magnetic loops disposed on both the header 104 and the circuit board 106, interference or noise to signals flowing through the header caused by a magnetic field environment can be prevented, or at least substantially minimized.

In certain embodiments, such as that wherein the junction box 94 is subjected or exposed to a magnetic field and the housing 96 thereof is not sufficiently shielded from magnetic fields, another area at which steps may need to be taken to prevent the introduction of noise or interference from the magnetic field environment is the circuit board 106 itself. More particularly, the signal and return traces 124, 126 of the circuit board 106 that are electrically connected to the leads 32 of the sensor 28 through, as described above, the various connectors, cables, and conductors, may create a loop on the circuit board 106 that can act as a magnetic pickup. One way to account for this, and as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 18, is to arrange the traces 124, 126 using a differential pair routing technique. Arranging the traces 124, 126 as a differential pair on a single layer of the circuit board 106 and as close together as possible results in the differential pair effectively acting as a twisted pair of wires, and as such, serves to prevent magnetic pickup therein.

Alternatively, in another exemplary embodiment such as that illustrated in FIG. 19, and as is known in the art, the signal and return traces 124, 126 may be arranged as a twisted differential line that is formed on the circuit board 106 and between a pair of layers thereof, in particular. Generally speaking, in one such embodiment wherein the circuit board 106 has two layers, each layer of the circuit board 106 may comprise a plurality of portions of both the signal and return traces 124, 126 that may be electrically connected to form a single signal trace 124 and a single return trace 126 that are effectively arranged in a twisted pair pattern. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the signal trace 124 may comprise a first portion disposed on a first layer of the circuit board 106, and a first portion of the return trace 126 disposed on a second layer of the circuit board 106, wherein the respective first portions of the signal and return traces are offset from each other (i.e., the first portions of the respective traces are not disposed in the same vertical or horizontal plane). As shown in FIG. 19, as the first portions of the signal and return traces extend along the length of the circuit board 106, they cross over/under each other and are electrically connected to respective electrically conductive pins extending between the two layers of the circuit board 106.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, the electrically conductive pins serve to electrically connect the first portion of the signal trace on the first layer of the circuit board 106 to a second portion of the signal trace disposed on the second layer of the circuit board 106, and the first portion of the return trace on the second layer of the circuit board 106 to a second layer of the return trace 126 disposed on the first layer of the circuit board 106. As with the first portions of the respective traces, as the second portions extend along the length of the circuit board 106, they cross over/under each other and are electrically connected to a second set of respective electrically conductive pins extending between the two layers of the circuit board 106. As with the pins to which the first portions of the signal and return traces are electrically connected, the second set of pins serve to electrically connect the second portions of the respective traces to third portions thereof disposed on the other layer of the circuit board 106. This arrangement may continue or be repeated any number of times until the signal and return traces 124, 126 are terminated as described elsewhere herein.

Another way to account for the creation of a loop on the circuit board 106 by the signal and return traces is to form a second magnetic loop on the circuit board 106 that is substantially equal in area and opposite in orientation to the first magnetic loop on the circuit board 106. As such, when the circuit board 106 is subjected or exposed to a magnetic field, the currents induced in the two magnetic loops will be equal but opposite, thereby resulting in the currents offsetting each other. Thus, interference to the signals generated by the sensor 28 and communicated over the traces of the circuit board 106 is prevented, or at least substantially minimized.

One such way in which this pair of magnetic loops may be formed is illustrated in FIG. 20. In such an embodiment, and as described above and illustrated in FIG. 13, a pair of wires 108 ₁, 108 ₂ electrically connect the pins 102 ₁, 102 ₂ of the connector 98, which, in turn, are respectively electrically connected to the leads 32 ₁, 32 ₂ of the sensor 28 through the combination of the connectors and cables described above, to corresponding sockets 116 of the header 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket 116 ₁ of the header 104 to which the pin 102 ₁ is connected serves to electrically connect the pin 102 ₁ to a first signal trace 124 ₁ on a first layer 158 of the circuit board 106. Similarly, the socket 116 ₂ of the header 104 to which the pin 102 ₂ is connected serves to electrically connect the pin 102 ₂ to a first return trace 126 ₁ on the first layer 158 of the circuit board 106. As will be described below, the first signal and return traces 124 ₁, 126 ₁ comprise, at least in part, a first magnetic loop 161 ₁ on the circuit board 106.

With continued reference to FIG. 20, the circuit board 106 further comprises a second layer 160 having a second signal trace 124 ₂ and a second return trace 126 ₂ disposed thereon. The second signal trace 124 ₂ is located directly below the first return trace 126 ₁ of the first layer 158, while the second return trace 126 ₂ is located directly below the first signal trace 124 ₁ of the first layer 158. As will be described below, the second signal and return traces 124 ₂, 126 ₂ comprise, at least in part, a second magnetic loop 161 ₂ on the circuit board 106.

The signal and return traces 124, 126 on each layer 158, 160 of the circuit board 106 are arranged such that they are opposite (and, in one embodiment, exactly opposite) to each other so that any magnetic pickup on the board 106 between the two traces 124 ₁, 126 ₁ on the first layer 158 is equal and opposite of the magnetic pickup between the two traces 124 ₂, 126 ₂ on the second layer 160. In other words, the two magnetic loops 161 ₁, 161 ₂ formed on the respective layers 158, 160 of the circuit board 106 are both substantially equal in area and opposite in orientation.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, to form the first and second magnetic loops 161 ₁, 161 ₂, a first pair of partial mechanical loops 162 ₁, 162 ₂ are formed between the first and second layers 158, 160 of the circuit board 106 at a first end thereof proximate the header 104, and a second pair of partial mechanical loops 164 ₁, 164 ₂ are also formed between the first and second layers 158, 160 of the circuit board 106 at a second end thereof opposite the first end and proximate either an amplifier (as shown in FIG. 20), an output port of the junction box 94, or the like.

More particularly, with respect to the first pair of partial mechanical loops 162 ₁, 162 ₂, the first layer 158 of the circuit board 106 comprises a first set of four through-holes 166 ₁-166 ₄ arranged in a square, and the second layer 160 also comprises a first set of four through-holes 168 ₁-168 ₄ that are also arranged in a square and that are aligned (and, in one embodiment, exactly aligned) with the first set of through-holes 166 ₁-166 ₄ of the first layer 158. As illustrated in FIG. 20, an electrically conductive surface of the first through-hole 166 ₁ of the first layer 158 is electrically connected to an electrically conductive element of the socket 116 ₁ of the header 104 to which the pin 102 ₁ of the connector 98 is connected. More particularly, a portion of the signal trace 124 ₁ of the first layer 158 electrically connects the electrically conductive surface of the first through-hole 166 ₁ to the electrically conductive element of the socket 116 ₁.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the third through-hole 166 ₃ of the first layer 158 is disposed diagonal from the first through-hole 166 ₁ and has an electrically conductive surface that is electrically connected to that of the first through-hole 166 ₁ by way of a trace 170 ₁ on the first layer 158 of the circuit board 106. In an exemplary embodiment, an electrically conductive pin 172 ₁ is disposed within and extends between each of the third through-hole 166 ₃ of the first layer 158 and the third through-hole 168 ₃ of the second layer 160. The pin 172 ₁ serves to electrically connect the electrically conductive surfaces of the through-holes 166 ₃, 168 ₃. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the electrically conductive surface of the third through-hole 168 ₃ of the second layer 160 is electrically connected to the second signal trace 124 ₂ that is disposed on the second layer 160. As a result of this arrangement, a first partial mechanical loop 162 ₁ is formed between the first and second layers 158, 160 of the circuit board 106, and the first and second signal traces 124 ₁, 124 ₂ thereof.

A second partial mechanical loop 162 ₂ may be formed in a similar way. More particularly, an electrically conductive surface of the second through-hole 166 ₂ of the first layer 158 is electrically connected to an electrically conductive element of the socket 116 ₂ of the header 104 to which the pin 102 ₂ of the connector 98 is connected. More particularly, a portion of the return trace 126 ₁ of the first layer 158 electrically connects the electrically conductive surface of the second through-hole 166 ₂ to the electrically conductive element of the socket 116 ₂.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, an electrically conductive pin 172 ₂ is disposed within and extends between each of the second through-hole 166 ₂ of the first layer 158 and the second through-hole 168 ₂ of the second layer 160. The pin 172 ₂ serves to electrically connect the electrically conductive surfaces of the through-holes 166 ₂, 168 ₂. The second through-hole 168 ₂ of the second layer 160 is disposed diagonal from the fourth through-hole 168 ₄ of the second layer 160, and has an electrically conductive surface that is electrically connected to that of the second through-hole 168 ₂ of the second layer 160 by a trace 170 ₂ on the second layer 160. The electrically conductive surface of the fourth through-hole 168 ₄ of the second layer 160 is further electrically connected to the second return trace 126 ₂ disposed on the second layer 160. As a result of this arrangement, a second partial mechanical loop 162 ₂ is formed between the first and second layers 158, 160 of the circuit board 106, and the first and second return traces 126 ₁, 126 ₂ thereof.

With respect to the second pair of partial mechanical loops 164 disposed at the opposite end of the circuit board 106 from the first pair of partial mechanical loops 162, the first layer 158 of the circuit board 106 comprises a second set of four through-holes 174 ₁-174 ₄ arranged in a square, and the second layer 160 also comprises a second set of four through-holes 176 ₁-176 ₄ that are also arranged in a square and aligned (and, in one embodiment, exactly aligned) with the through-holes 174 ₁-174 ₄ of the first layer 158.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, an electrically conductive surface of the third through-hole 176 ₃ of the second layer 160 is electrically connected to the second signal trace 124 ₂ of the second layer 160. In an exemplary embodiment, an electrically conductive pin 172 ₃ is disposed within and extends between each of the third through-hole 176 ₃ of the second layer 160 and the third through-hole 174 ₃ of the first layer 158. The pin 172 ₃ serves to electrically connect the electrically conductive surfaces of the through-holes 176 ₃, 174 ₃. The third through-hole 174 ₃ of the first layer 158 is disposed diagonal from the first through-hole 174 ₁ of the first layer 158 and the electrically conductive surface thereof is electrically connected to that of the first through-hole 174 ₁ of the first layer 158 by a trace 178 ₁ on the first layer 158. The electrically conductive surface of the first through-hole 174 ₁ of the first layer 158 is further electrically connected to the first signal trace 124 ₁ disposed on the first layer 158. It will be appreciated that the electrically conductive surface of third through-hole 174 ₃ of the first layer 158 may be electrically connected to, for example, an amplifier or an output port of the junction box 94 (as shown), to allow for the further communication of the signal transmitted over the signal traces 124 ₁, 124 ₂ of the circuit board 106.

As a result of this arrangement, a first partial mechanical loop 164 ₁ is formed between the first and second layers 158, 160 of the circuit board 106, and the first and second signal traces 124 ₁, 124 ₂ thereof.

A second partial loop 164 ₂ may be formed in a similar way. As illustrated in FIG. 20, an electrically conductive surface of the fourth through-hole 176 ₄ of the second layer 160 is electrically connected to the second return trace 126 ₂ of the second layer 160. The second through-hole 176 ₂ of the second layer 160 is disposed diagonally from the fourth through-hole 176 ₄ of the second layer 160 and has an electrically conductive surface that is electrically connected to that of the fourth through-hole 176 ₄ by way of a trace 178 ₂ on the second layer 160 of the circuit board 106. In an exemplary embodiment, an electrically conductive pin 172 ₄ is disposed within and extends between each of the fourth through-hole 176 ₄ of the second layer 160 and the fourth through-hole 174 ₄ of the first layer 158. The pin 172 ₄ serves to electrically connect the electrically conductive surfaces of the through-holes 176 ₄, 174 ₄.

In an exemplary embodiment, an electrically conductive pin 172 ₅ is also disposed within and extends between each of the second through-hole 176 ₂ of the second layer 160 and the second through-hole 174 ₂ of the first layer 158. The pin 172 ₅ serves to electrically connect the electrically conductive surfaces of the through-holes 176 ₂, 174 ₂. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the electrically conductive surface of the second through-hole 174 ₂ of the first layer 158 is electrically connected to the first return trace 126 ₁ that is disposed on the first layer 158. It will be appreciated that the electrically conductive surface of fourth through-hole 174 ₄ of the first layer 158 may be electrically connected to, for example, an amplifier (as shown) or an output port of the junction box 94, to allow for the extension of the return pathway from the circuit board 106.

As a result of this arrangement, a second partial mechanical loop 164 ₂ is formed between the first and second layers 158, 160 of the circuit board 106, and the first and second return traces 126 ₁, 126 ₂ thereof, in particular.

The combination of the first and second partial mechanical loops 162, 164 result in the formation of the first complete magnetic loop 161 ₁ on the first layer 158 of the circuit board 106 between the signal and return traces 124 ₁, 126 ₁, and the formation of the second complete magnetic loop 161 ₂ on the second layer 160 of the circuit board 106 between the signal and return traces 124 ₂, 126 ₂. As described above, the first and second complete magnetic loops 161 ₁, 161 ₂ are both substantially equal in area and opposite in orientation so as to cancel out any current induced therein as a result of magnetic pickup.

It will be appreciated that the description of forming the partial mechanical loops 162, 164 or the resulting complete magnetic loops 161 ₁, 161 ₂ on the circuit board 106 set forth above may find application in connection with any of the embodiments described above relating to the creation of loops at the connection between the cable 34 and the junction box 94 (e.g., complementary partial loops created at the cable connector and the junction box connector, complementary partial loops created at the cable connector and on the circuit board 106, etc.), or elsewhere within the junction box 94, such as, for example, at the header 104 (e.g., complementary partial loops created on the top side of the header 104 and on the circuit board 106, for example).

As briefly described above, the junction box 94 may further comprise an output port in the form of an electromechanical connector (not shown). The connector is configured to provide an interface between the junction box 94 and one or more other components of the system 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the connector takes the same form as that of the connector 98. As such, the connector is electrically connected to one or more sets of signal and return traces on the circuit board 106, or the output of an amplifier disposed within the junction box 94. As with the connector 98, the output port connector may also comprise a plurality of partial magnetic loops that are configured to combine with partial magnetic loops of a cable connector when the output port connector and the complementary cable connector are mated. Accordingly, the description set forth above relating to the connector 98 applies here with equal force and will not be repeated. Rather, the description set forth above is incorporated here by reference.

In an alternate embodiment, rather than the output port connector of the junction box 94 comprising the partial magnetic loops that are complementary to those of a complementary cable connector configured to be mated therewith, the partial magnetic loops may be disposed on the circuit board 106 itself in the same manner as the partial magnetic loops 111 ₁′, 111 ₂′ illustrated in FIG. 14. Accordingly, the description set forth above relating to the embodiment wherein the partial magnetic loops 111′ are disposed on the circuit board 106 applies here with equal force and will not be repeated. Rather, the description set forth above is incorporated here by reference.

As described elsewhere above, it will be appreciated that while the description of the output port of the junction box 94 has been primarily with respect to an embodiment wherein the connector is configured to accommodate a single-sensor catheter 12, the present disclosure is not meant to be so limited. Rather, in other exemplary embodiments, the junction box 94 may comprise one or more output port connectors, each configured to accommodate one or more single- or multiple-sensor catheters, and such embodiments remain within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Although embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention. All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materials does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A medical device assembly for use in a magnetic field environment, comprising a medical device, said medical device comprising: an elongate shaft having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; a positioning sensor disposed at said distal end portion of said shaft and comprising first and second leads arranged in a twisted pair pattern and extending from a sensing element of said sensor to said proximal end portion of said shaft; and an electromechanical connector having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of pins disposed at said first end thereof, wherein a first pin and a second pin of said plurality of pins are electrically connected to said first and second leads of said sensor, respectively, thereby forming a first partial magnetic loop between said first and second pins, said connector further comprising a first electrical jumper electrically connecting said first pin with a third pin of said plurality of pins, and a second electrical jumper electrically connecting said second pin with a fourth pin of said plurality of pins, said connection of said first and second electrical jumpers between said first and third and said second and fourth pins, respectively, forming a second partial magnetic loop between said third and fourth pins, wherein said first and second partial magnetic loops are configured to combine with respective first and second partial magnetic loops of a complementary electromechanical connector configured to be mated with said second end of said electromechanical connector of said medical device to form first and second magnetic noise cancellation loops that are substantially equal in area and opposite in orientation.
 2. The medical device assembly of claim 1, wherein said medical device further comprises a handle disposed at said proximal end portion of said shaft, and further wherein said electromechanical connector of said medical device is disposed within said handle.
 3. The medical device assembly of claim 1, wherein said medical device further comprises a handle disposed at said proximal end portion of said shaft and said first and second leads of said sensor extend through at least a portion of said handle and form a pigtail extending therefrom, and further wherein said electromechanical connector of said medical device is disposed at the end of said pigtail.
 4. The medical device assembly of claim 1, wherein said first and second electrical jumpers comprise first and second jumper wires.
 5. The medical device assembly of claim 1, wherein said electromechanical connector of said medical device further comprises a printed circuit board mounted to said connector at said first end thereof and to which each of said first, second, third, and fourth pins are electrically connected, and further wherein said first and second electrical jumpers comprise first and second electrical traces on said circuit board.
 6. The medical device assembly of claim 5, wherein said printed circuit board comprises a first layer and a second layer, and further wherein said first electrical trace electrically connecting said first and third pins is disposed on said first layer and said second electrical trace electrically connecting said second and fourth pins is disposed on said second layer.
 7. The medical device assembly of claim 1, wherein said first, second, third and fourth pins are arranged such that each pin comprises a vertex of a square formed by said first, second, third, and fourth pins, and further wherein said first and third pins are diagonal from each other, and said second and fourth pins are diagonal from each other.
 8. The medical device assembly of claim 1, further comprising an electrical cable having a first end and a second end, said cable further comprising: first and second electrical conductors arranged in a twisted pair pattern and extending between said first and second ends of said cable; and an electromechanical connector disposed at said first end of said cable, said connector of said cable comprising a first end, a second end, and a plurality of pins disposed at said first end, wherein said first and second electrical conductors are electrically connected to a first pin and a second pin of said plurality of pins of said connector of said cable, respectively, thereby forming a first partial magnetic loop between said first and second pins of said connector of said cable, and a first electrical jumper electrically connecting said first pin with a third pin of said plurality of pins, and a second electrical jumper electrically connecting said second pin with a fourth pin of said plurality of pins, said connection of said first and second electrical jumpers between said first and third and said second and fourth pins of said connector of said cable, respectively, forming a second partial magnetic loop between said third and fourth pins of said connector of said cable; and wherein said first and second partial magnetic loops of said connector of said cable are configured to combine with said respective first and second partial magnetic loops of said connector of said medical device when said second ends of said connectors of said medical device and said cable are mated to form first and second magnetic noise cancellation loops that are substantially equal in area and opposite in orientation.
 9. The medical device assembly of claim 8, wherein said first, second, third and fourth pins of at least one of said first and second electromechanical connectors are arranged such that each pin comprises a vertex of a square formed by said first, second, third, and fourth pins, and further wherein said first and third pins are diagonal from each other, and said second and fourth pins are diagonal from each other.
 10. The medical device assembly of claim 1, wherein the second partial magnetic loop between said third and fourth pins is substantially parallel to said first partial magnetic loop.
 11. An electrical cable configured for use in a magnetic field environment, comprising: a sheath having a first end and a second end; first and second electrical conductors disposed within said sheath and arranged in a twisted pair pattern and extending between said first and second ends of said sheath; and first and second electromechanical connectors disposed at said first and second ends of said sheath, respectively, wherein each of said first and second connectors comprises a first end, a second end, and a plurality of pins disposed at said first end thereof, wherein said first and second electrical conductors of said cable are electrically connected to a first pin and a second pin of said plurality of pins, respectively, thereby forming a first partial magnetic loop between said first and second pins, a first electrical jumper electrically connecting said first pin with a third pin of said plurality of pins, and a second electrical jumper electrically connecting said second pin with a fourth pin of said plurality of pins, said connection of said first and second electrical jumpers between said first and third and said second and fourth pins, respectively, forming a second partial magnetic loop between said third and fourth pins.
 12. The electrical cable of claim 11, wherein said first and second electrical jumpers of at least one of said first and second electromechanical connectors comprises first and second jumper wires.
 13. The electrical cable of claim 11, wherein at least one of said first and second electromechanical connectors further comprises a printed circuit board mounted thereto at said first end thereof and to which each of said first, second, third, and fourth pins are electrically connected, and further wherein said first and second electrical jumpers of said at least one electromechanical connector comprises first and second electrical traces on said circuit board.
 14. The electrical cable of claim 13, wherein said printed circuit board comprises a first layer and a second layer, and further wherein said first electrical trace electrically connecting said first and third pins is disposed on said first layer and said second electrical trace electrically connecting said second and fourth pins is disposed on said second layer.
 15. A junction box configured for use with a medical device in a magnetic field environment, comprising: a housing comprising a top side, a bottom side, and a plurality of side walls extending between said top and bottom sides; and an electromechanical connector disposed in one of said plurality of side walls, said electromechanical connector comprising a first end, a second end, and a plurality of pins disposed at said first end thereof, wherein a first pin and a second pin of said plurality of pins are electrically connected to first ends of respective first and second electrical conductors disposed within said housing, thereby forming a first partial magnetic loop between said first and second pins, and said connector further comprises a first electrical jumper electrically connecting said first pin with a third pin of said plurality of pins, and a second electrical jumper electrically connecting said second pin with a fourth pin of said plurality of pins, said connection of said first and second electrical jumpers between said first and third and said second and fourth pins, respectively, forming a second partial magnetic loop between said third and fourth pins, and further wherein said first and second partial magnetic loops are configured to combine with respective first and second partial magnetic loops of a complementary electromechanical connector when said second end of said electromechanical connector of said junction box is mated with the complementary connector to form first and second magnetic noise cancellation loops that are substantially equal in area and opposite in orientation.
 16. The junction box of claim 15, wherein said first and second electrical jumpers comprise first and second jumper wires.
 17. The junction box of claim 15, wherein said electromechanical connector further comprises a printed circuit board mounted thereto at said first end thereof and to which each of said first, second, third, and fourth pins are electrically connected, and further wherein said first and second electrical jumpers comprise first and second electrical traces on said circuit board.
 18. The junction box of claim 15, further comprising a printed circuit board disposed within said housing, said circuit board comprising: a header, said header comprising a plurality of sockets each of which includes an electrically conductive element, wherein first and second sockets are configured to receive the second ends of said respective first and second electrical conductors to electrically connect said first and second electrical conductors to said electrically conductive elements of said first and second sockets, wherein the connection of said second ends of said first and second electrical conductors to said electrically conductive elements of said first and second sockets, respectively, forms a first partial magnetic loop between said first and second sockets of said header, a first electrical jumper electrically connecting said first and third sockets, and a second electrical jumper electrically connecting said second and fourth sockets, said connection of said first and second electrical jumpers between said first and third and said second and fourth sockets, respectively, forming a second partial magnetic loop between said third and fourth sockets of said header that is substantially parallel to said first partial magnetic loop of said header; a plurality of traces disposed thereon, wherein a first trace is electrically connected to said electrically conductive element of said first socket, a second trace is electrically connected to said electrically conductive element of said second socket, a third trace is electrically connected to said electrically conductive element of a third socket of said header, and a fourth trace is electrically connected to said electrically conductive element of a fourth socket of said header, and further wherein said first trace is electrically connected to a fifth trace on said circuit board and said second trace is electrically connected to a sixth trace on said circuit board thereby forming a first partial magnetic loop on said circuit board between said first and second traces; and a first electrical jumper electrically connecting said first and third traces, and a second electrical jumper electrically connecting said second and fourth traces, wherein the connection of said first and second electrical jumpers between said first and third and said second and fourth traces forms a second partial magnetic loop on said circuit board between said third and fourth traces that is substantially parallel to said first partial magnetic loop between said first and second traces; wherein said first and second partial magnetic loops of said header and said first and second partial magnetic loops of said circuit board combine to form first and second magnetic noise cancellation loops that are substantially equal in area and opposite in orientation.
 19. The junction box of claim 18, wherein said first and second electrical jumpers of said header comprise first and second jumper wires, and said first and second electrical jumpers of said circuit board comprise electrical traces on said circuit board.
 20. The junction box of claim 18, wherein said first and second electrical conductors are arranged in a twisted pair pattern between said electromechanical connector and said header of said circuit board.
 21. The junction box of claim 15, further comprising a printed circuit board disposed within said housing, said circuit board comprising: a first layer comprising a first signal trace and a first return trace each disposed thereon and extending from a first end of said first layer to a second end thereof, wherein said first signal and return traces are spaced apart from and substantially parallel to each other, and further wherein said first electrical conductor is electrically connected to said first signal trace and said second electrical conductor is electrically connector to said first return trace; and a second layer comprising a second signal trace and a second return trace disposed thereon and extending from a first end of said second layer to a second end thereof, wherein said second signal and return traces are spaced apart from and substantially parallel to each other, and further wherein said second signal trace is located directly below said first return trace on said first layer, and said second return trace is located directly below said first signal trace on said first layer; wherein said first and second signal traces and said first and second return traces are electrically connected to each other proximate each of said first and second ends of said first and second layers to form a first magnetic noise cancellation loop on said first layer of said circuit board between said first signal and return traces disposed thereon, and a second magnetic noise cancellation loop on said second layer of said circuit board between said second signal and return traces disposed thereon; and further wherein said first and second magnetic noise cancellation loops are substantially equal in area and opposite in orientation. 